Leeds have identified PSV winger Cody Gakpo as a possible substitute for Raphinha because the Whites prepare for the departure of the Brazilian, based on reports. Arsenal and Tottenham are actually starting to up the ante for the 25-year-old attacker, who’s valued at upwards of £50million by Elland Road chiefs following a powerful 11-goal Premier League campaign last term.
Arsenal saw a gap offer for Raphinha rejected on Tuesday by Leeds however the Gunners are expected to enhance their bid for the Brazil international, who’s amongst Mikel Arteta and Edu’s top targets.
Yet competition is seemingly fierce and the race for his services is now starting to heat up with Spurs expected to submit their opening proposal for Raphinha sooner or later.
He has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona, although the Catalan giants shouldn’t have the money at hand to fund a deal as things stand.
Based on Foot Mercato, Leeds are actually putting plans in place for the expected departure of Raphinha they usually have earmarked Holland international Gakpo as a player able to replacing him.
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Nevertheless, the Gunners have since decided they’ve the leverage to fund a move for Raphinha as they proceed to work on a take care of Leeds.
They are going to need to move quickly in the event that they are to see off their north London rivals Spurs though, who’ve wasted no time within the transfer market to date.
Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy have already wrapped up three summer signings up to now in the shape of Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma.
The report also mentions that Arsenal could turn to Gakpo in the event that they fail to prevail within the battle for Raphinha.
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Gakpo is currently on track to make Holland’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar having netted twice in seven outings for his country.
He was recently urged to remain at PSV for one more season by Dutch journalist Marco Timmer, who he believes he has quite a bit to learn from Van Nistelrooy.
“The footballer has missed too many matches prior to now two seasons resulting from injuries,” Timmer said.
“And although he’s PSV’s best player, the captain was not all the time there in the massive games. He was within the cup final against Ajax, but for instance not against Leicester City twice.
“In Van Nistelrooy, Gakpo has the proper example and a superb experience expert. The coed higher take heed to the master.”
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