'Speculation' expected over potential Leeds exit for £50m star

Leeds United’s decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa is set to lead to question marks over Raphinha’s long-term future at Elland Road, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Whites parted company with Bielsa yesterday, with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur proving to be the final straw.

Bielsa’s axing has resulted in Football.London suggesting Arsenal may look to add Raphinha to their squad if Leeds fail to avoid the drop, while Chelsea are also understood to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old ahead of the transfer window reopening in the summer.

It comes after West Ham United showed they are admirers of Raphinha by lodging a £50million bid which was rejected by Leeds during the January transfer window.

However, 90min revealed the winger would have been interested in securing a switch to the London Stadium had he secured his current employers’ blessing.

Liverpool are also tracking Raphinha’s progress ahead of making a potential move for the Elland Road favourite in the summer.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich were heavily linked with the seven-cap Brazil international prior to the turn of the year.

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O’Rourke believes reports over Raphinha’s Leeds future are set to increase following Bielsa’s departure from the Yorkshire giants.

Bielsa brought the wide-man to Elland Road in a £17million deal from French side Rennes in 2020.

He went on to score 15 goals and record a further 11 assists in 56 appearances under the Argentinian.

O’Rourke feels a change in the dugout could be a turning point in Raphinha’s Leeds career.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “I think, going forward, there is going to be a lot of speculation with regards to