Leeds: 'Minor miracle' if 66-game favourite stays at Elland Road

Leeds United need a ‘minor miracle’ in order to persuade Raphinha to stay at Elland Road beyond the end of the summer window, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Raphinha has been on the Yorkshire giants’ books since completing a £17million switch from Rennes in 2020, but he has been the subject of interest thanks to adjusting to the rigours of the Premier League seamlessly.

According to Goal, Arsenal are now the frontrunners to sign Raphinha and are very close to concluding a deal.

The report suggests a switch could be completed as soon as this week as the nine-cap Brazil international has grown frustrated after waiting for Barcelona to tempt Leeds into sanctioning his departure.

It comes after, according to Spanish sources, Raphinha had initially told the Whites’ hierarchy that he wanted to head to the Nou Camp ahead of next season.

But, amid additional interest from Tottenham Hotspur, it is understood that Arsenal are now poised to make a £50million bid.

West Ham United failed with an offer worth the same amount during the January transfer window, but the winger’s £63,000-per-week contract is set to expire in two years, leaving Leeds in a precarious position.

Leeds appear to have started preparing for life without Raphinha by keeping tabs on Wolverhampton Wanderers wide-man Adama Traore.

Jones believes Raphinha may have already made his final appearance for his current employers.

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When asked whether the interest in Traore stems from doubts over Raphinha’s future, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “100%. Raphinha is not going to be a Leeds player next season.

“I think it would be a minor miracle if he were to line-up for Leeds beyond this