According to Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham, Arsenal, and Chelsea were all willing to pay up to £63 million to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.
Raphinha was announced as a Barcelona player on Wednesday, subject to a medical being passed. The winger penned what is believed to be a five-year deal at the Spotify Camp Nou (Guardian).
Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona will pay an initial £49.1m, and a further £5.93m in potential add-ons.
Football.London reported that the 25-year-old was admired by Antonio Conte, however, the acquisition of fellow Brazilian forward Richarlison from Everton saw rumours surrounding Raphinha die down.
Despite all three London clubs being willing to offer more money than the Blaugrana, Raphinha’s reported insistence on moving to Spain and fulfilling his dream of playing for Barcelona was enough for Leeds to accept a lower fee (Telegraph).
The right-sided attacker netted 17 goals and added 12 assists in 67 appearances for the Yorkshire club (Transfermarkt). Conte was reportedly impressed by his trickery and energy during Spurs’ 4-0 victory over Leeds in February (Football.London).
Spurs Web Opinion
I think that Leeds have got a fair price for their asset. I rate Raphinha but I don’t think he is worth the price that Spurs were touted to have agreed to.
The Brazilian would have provided great competition to Dejan Kulusevski on the right of Conte’s attack, but I feel that Richarlison offers a more well-rounded depth as he can cover all three of the forward positions.
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