Raphinha gives verdict on Leeds move amid Arsenal and Chelsea transfer links

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.

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in a move, while Barcelona and Chelsea have both previously been linked. Reports have suggested that the player is available for roughly £64million.

The Gunners will need to strengthen in the wide areas ahead of next season due to the lack of depth in the forward positions. Raphinha would be a quality signing for the Gunners if Pepe is to depart from the club.

Speaking to the press ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Japan on Monday, Raphinha addressed his future at Leeds, but made clear his intention was to do anything to play for Brazil in Qatar.

"If I say that it doesn't matter, I would be lying," Raphinha said, as reported by Globo. "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, to which he 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