Fabrizio Romano admits the Raphinha switch saga is among the craziest he’s reported on for a while as he gave CaughtOffside unique perception into the Leeds star’s scenario.
Writing within the newest version of his CaughtOffside column, Romano explains why he feels Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are nonetheless very a lot within the race for his signature, regardless of Barcelona having an settlement with the Brazil worldwide since all the best way again in February.
It appears clear that this advanced scenario continues to be not resolved, however Romano believes there’s a very good likelihood we’ll see Raphinha keep within the Premier League, including that Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta appears to be a giant private admirer of the 25-year-old.
“The Raphinha scenario is actually one of many craziest in recent times,” Romano writes in his column, to be printed in full later this morning. “Barcelona have had an settlement with the Brazilian on private phrases since late February, however the concept of providing €40m is much from the calls for of Leeds who need at the very least £65m.
“Arsenal have made a primary provide turned down by Leeds, whereas Tottenham are making ready a proposal and Chelsea have explored the scenario with a direct name from Todd Boehly.
“Raphinha had given his okay to Barcelona as a precedence for months, however is now actually open to listening to English golf equipment. The choice will take just a few days.
“In my view, it could be good to maintain seeing him within the Premier League and there’s a superb likelihood for that to occur: for instance, I do know that Arteta is de facto in love with Raphinha, however Tottenham and Chelsea are completely within the race.”
Ought to Raphinha decide Arsenal switch?
On the face of it, it looks as if Raphinha must be aiming for Chelsea, Spurs or Barca over a transfer to Arsenal, however may a transfer to the Emirates Stadium be a super subsequent step in his profession?
As Romano says, Arteta is a big fan of the participant, and he would absolutely develop into an automated starter and probably the most vital gamers within the aspect if he have been to affix the Gunners. The identical can not essentially be mentioned of any of the opposite groups concerned.
Spurs have already got Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura as choices of their entrance three, so it’s not clear if Raphinha would see as a lot enjoying time there, whereas the strict and cautious Antonio Conte doesn’t essentially seem to be one of the best tactical match for him both.
At Chelsea, Raphinha may definitely be an improve on the likes of Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic, however he may do effectively to have a look at how a lot attacking gamers have struggled beneath Thomas Tuchel – the German tactician completely did not get one of the best out of an enormous expertise in Romelu Lukaku, and is one other supervisor who doesn’t appear to afford his attacking gamers that a lot freedom to precise themselves, having failed to lift the video games of Werner and Pulisic in any respect since he arrived.
As for Barcelona, loads of high gamers have gone there and gone backwards in latest instances: Raphinha may have cause to concern turning into the most recent Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann or Malcom on the Nou Camp.
Arsenal could not have Champions League soccer, however they’re constructing one thing promising beneath an thrilling younger coach. Raphinha has the possibility to go there and develop into a key determine in taking this venture to the subsequent degree.
