Big shock in store as European powerhouse plots ambitious swoop on Leeds
AC Milan are the latest club reportedly showing an interest in Leeds winger Raphinha – but they likely face a shock amid claims they believe they can land him on the cheap.
The United winger, 24, is fast becoming one of the Premier League’s most in-demand forwards. Whites fans were already well aware of the enormous talent and attacking threat Raphinha provides. So too are Liverpool who have persistent links with the flyer.
However, his international exploits with Brazil in the last two international breaks have opened eyes further afield.
To that end, our exclusive revealed that PSG are also keeping tabs on Raphinha as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
Indeed, Raphinha took his long-awaited chance with Brazil with both hands last month.
In just 45 minutes on his debut versus Venezuela, Raphinha notched two assists and won a penalty. In his first start days later, he shone again, this time bagging two goals in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
And the public outcry that arose after he was elbowed by Nicolas Otamendi shows exactly how Brazil has also taken the Leeds star to their hearts.
With the likes of Liverpool and PSG regularly linked with Raphinha, a report on Tuesday morning has now thrown Milan into the mix.
As per Pianeta Milan, the Serie A side see the Leeds winger as an ‘important investment’ and club officials will push for his signing next summer.
However, their claims that they prise Raphinha away for just €30m (£25.2m) are vastly wide of the mark.
Indeed, Leeds now reportedly value the player at near double that fee. Furthermore, the Whites are not actively seeking to sell their star man, who has five goals from 10 appearances this season.
Raphinha enjoying life at Leeds
Raphinha has also been keen to stress his happiness in West Yorkshire and appears in no desire to move away.
Indeed, speaking to Spanish outlet AS, Raphinha recently has outlined his big ambitions with Leeds.
“From my first days at the club, I already saw how special Bielsa was.
“He is a guy who works a lot, who knows a lot about soccer. He is the typical professional who dedicates 100% of his time to the institution he represents. We are very lucky that he is our coach. Bielsa knows how to get the most out of each one of us. This makes us raise our level.”
“I am very happy at Leeds and hopefully we can play the Champions League,” he added.
Raphinha revelling in Brazil spotlight
Raphinha has brought his spectacular Leeds form onto the international stage with Brazil. And when speaking about his national team coach, he revealed Tite has simply asked him to do exactly what he does for Leeds when turning out for the Selecao.
“Since I was a child, I always dreamed of playing for the national team. Being able to represent my country, my town, my neighbourhood, my people,” continued Raphinha.
“After many years of hard work, I have succeeded. I will do everything possible to continue my career in the national team.”
“Tite is a great person. [He is] An exemplary professional with a lot of wisdom. He asks me to do what I’m doing at Leeds.”
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