Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has provided an update on Raphinha’s future amid interest from Chelsea, Barcelona and Arsenal this summer.
The 25-year-old is set to depart Elland Road after joining back in 2020 from Rennes for a £17 million fee.
He has gone on to make 67 appearances for the Yorkshire-based side, scoring 17 goals and registering 12 assists, playing a key role in Leeds securing their Premier League status for the 2022/23 campaign.
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Following discussions with the club, Raphinha will be allowed to leave in the summer transfer window and has a whole host of clubs queuing up for him.
Chelsea are the only team among those interested to have had a bid accepted by Leeds. They saw their £55 million offer given the green light.
Barcelona are very interested, with Raphinha’s preference eyed towards a move to Spain, but they have yet to make a suitable offer.
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Xavi’s side are restricted due to their financial situation, leaving them in need of another economic lever to raise transfer funds, which could come by next week if reports in Spain are to be believed.
Arsenal haven’t given up hope, while Chelsea remain confident but are running out of patience.
A decision is hoped to be made imminently, with some suggestions that Leeds are growing frustrated and want Raphinha’s resolved urgently.
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Now their head coach, Jesse Marsch has offered an update on the Brazilian’s situation ahead of their tour to Australia
“My guess is, I don't know,” responded Marsch over whether or not Raphinha would travel to Australia for pre-season.
“We just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days.
“There's urgency from his end, I think, to come up with a solution. We have to in the next couple of days see how things stand and see how we go.
“It hasn't been an easy time for him this summer. Things have come and gone and there have been a lot of little discussions. Right now he's our player.
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“He showed up today and trained with everybody, he had such a good attitude.
"We had a very open and honest conversation about while he's here he's part of us, and then we'll see what happens. It's still a long way to go in the transfer window.
“I know he has hopes and dreams. I know he loves this team and this club and he loves being here. We'll see how things progress day by day.”
Topics: Raphinha, Chelsea, Leeds United, Barcelona, Arsenal
Matthew Debono