Leeds United’s Raphinha has broken the silence on his transfer situation ahead of the summer window, with Chelsea long linked for a move and Arsenal reportedly eyeing the Brazilian as a potential Nicolas Pepe replacement.
Raphinha said: “If I say that it doesn’t matter, I would be lying. Knowing that there are less than six months left for the Cup, you have to be active in the clubs, that weighs on the decision, but I trust my potential. If it’s to stay or leave, I’ll do my best, look for my space and I’ll try to be well for the World Cup.”
Questions then followed about his future at Leeds,
Raphinha replied: “The next game, against Japan. Then I go on vacation. I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds, I have my mind on the national team, on the game and also on my vacation, we need a vacation. I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my manager, when something is right, he sends [it to] me.
It would have seemed bizarre for Arsenal to be linked with the Brazilian because the Gunners already have two left-footed wingers who are strongest on the right-hand side in Bukayo Saka and Pepe. However, the Ivorian has seriously struggled for game time at the Emirates this season.
