Arsenal report: Transfer target spotted with agent after bid rejected

Leeds winger Raphinha applauds the fans after a match
(Image credit: Getty)

Raphinha has been pictured in Spain with his agent - former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco - after Arsenal reportedly fell short with a bid for the Leeds winger.

The Brazil international is currently on holiday in Ibiza, from where he posted a photo of the pair to his Instagram story.

Could the party island's proximity to Barcelona be a hint that Raphinha is on his way to his apparent preferred destination?

Frankly, probably not - especially as Barca's continued financial problems have so far prevented them from tabling an offer, per football.london.

The report goes on to state that the Gunners are lining up another approach for the 25-year-old.

According to MailOnline, Leeds value Raphinha - who signed from Rennes for £17m in October 2020 - at £65m.

Such a fee would smash the previous record amount received by the Whites for a player: £30m for Rio Ferdinand, who left for arch-rivals Manchester United in 2002.

Speaking to the media during the recent international break, Raphinha appeared undecided about his future - but suggested that any choice will be made with this winter's World Cup in mind. He said:

"Knowing that there are less than six months left [until] the [World] Cup, you have to be [playing regularly]; that weighs on the decision, but I trust my potential.

"If it's to stay or leave, I'll do my best, look for my space and I'll try to be well for the World Cup."

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...