Arsenal have rejected Leeds’ offer for Rafinha, but intend to insist on signing again for the Brazilian international amid competition from two other Premier League clubs and Barcelona.
Tottenham have told Leeds they plan to bid – this may arrive this week – and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boelli, the interim sporting director, has investigated the situation. Barcelona negotiated personal terms with Rafinha months ago, but Leeds want much more than the 35-40 million pounds that the Catalan club has in mind.
It will probably take at least £ 65 million to persuade them to sell. Arsenal have been interested in the 25-year-old since March and are in talks with Leeds, who bought Rafinha from Rennes for around £ 17 million in October 2020 with a 2024 contract. He scored 11 goals and placed three in the Premier League last season.
Arsenal have stepped up their attacking capabilities by buying Fabio Vieira from Porto for the original £ 30 million, but also wants to bring in Rafinha and his international team-mate Gabriel Jesus, who is ready to leave Manchester City.
Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are among others interested in Jesus, but Arsenal are in the lead. Arsenal are in preliminary talks with the player’s agents and if the unknown details are resolved, they will try to settle the fee with City.
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