Manchester City eyeing a summer move for Leeds United ace
According to Sport Italia journalist Gianluigi Longari, Manchester City are one of the few Premier League clubs following Leeds United winger Raphinha.
Raphinha, 24, earned plenty of plaudits for his sizzling performances in his debut English Premier League campaign with Leeds United. The Brazilian winger scored seven goals and added 11 assists in all competitions this past campaign.
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Inevitably, that kind of form has caught the eyes of a number of top English clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United. However, Liverpool are leading the race for Raphinha’s signature, tweeted Gianluigi Longari.
Leeds United, who secured a hugely impressive ninth-placed finish under Marcelo Bielsa upon their return to the English top-flight, are keen to keep hold of the 24-year-old winger. Raphinha is contracted to the Whites until the summer of 2024 and recently admitted to being happy at Elland Road.
Back to Manchester City, the English champions are looking to refine their squad after the Champions League final disappointment at the hands of Chelsea. They are keen on cashing in on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus this summer.
Raheem Sterling simply didn’t enjoy a good 2020/21 season, falling behind the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva in the pecking order. The English winger, as well as Mahrez, have caught the attention of Arsenal, as per a report from the Daily Mail.
Should one of Sterling or Mahrez is sold in the transfer window, Manchester City can then practically think of signing a winger. Raphinha, in that case, could be a good shout for the Cityzens.
Raphinha has enjoyed a superb first season in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of the exciting players to watch in an exhilarating Leeds United side. With his directness, pace and dribbling skills, he proved to be a nightmare for the defenders this past campaign.
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The Brazilian speedster has the required qualities to thrive in Guardiola’s system at the Etihad Stadium. The ex-Rennes star would bolster City’s wide options, whilst adding more competition within their squad.
However, with Liverpool in front of the queue to sign Raphinha this summer, City faces a tough fit to acquire the fleet-footed winger’s signature.