Fabrizio Romano has revealed that rumoured Tottenham target Raphinha dreams of playing in the Champions League next season.
Reports over the last week have indicated that Spurs are locked in a four-way battle for Raphinha’s signature with Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona (Gianluigi Longari).
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Tuesday that the Gunners’ opening offer for the winger had been rejected. He added that despite Raphinha preferring to join Barca, the Catalan club’s pursuit of the player has been complicated by their economic problems.
Mundo Deportivo then claimed on Thursday that Leeds have completely ruled out Barca from the race for the 25-year-old as they do not feel the Catalan giants are capable of meeting their asking price or the winger’s salary demands.
The report added that the Elland Road hierarchy want a fee of €70m (£60.1m) plus €15m (£12.8m in bonuses for the Brazilian and are now negotiating with Premier League clubs, with Arsenal said to be the best positioned to win the race.
However, Romano has now said that while the Gunners do hold serious interest in Raphina, the player wants to play Champions League football next season.
He told Wettfreunde: “As far as I know, Raphinha dreams of the Champions League and that’s why many clubs are trying to find a solution with him and convince him to play in the Champions League next season, if not already this year.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“For example, Arsenal, which is in this process. You really believe in Raphinha. They want him, they’re negotiating, they’ve made an offer.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I can only see Spurs spending £50m plus on one of Richarlison or Raphinha, given that Conte will likely want to splurge a similar amount on a left-sided centre-back this summer. My gut feeling is that the Everton man is Tottenham’s main target and the Leeds winger is just a backup.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
