Liverpool are reportedly set to face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan for the signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha.
According to a report from Tribal Football, AC Milan are ready to act on their interest in Leeds United and Brazil attacker Raphinha, who is also a transfer target for Premier League bigwigs Liverpool.
Raphinha arrived at Leeds United in the summer transfer window of last year, signing from French Ligue 1 outfit Rennes. The winger soon became a hit at Elland Road with a series of impressive performances and ended his debut campaign with a decent return of six goals and nine assists from 30 Premier League appearances.
Despite Leeds ‘ struggles, the 24-year-old has also made a solid start to the new season, bagging five goals in ten games. Raphinha has also recently broken into the Brazilian national team and has scored twice in five games for Tite’s side. His exploits have not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool taking a keen interest in the winger.
Indeed, the Reds were interested in signing Raphinha during the summer itself, but a move never materialised. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side have continued to monitor his development as they look to bolster their attacking unit further. While Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota have all impressed this term, the latter two are closing in on their thirties.
So, Liverpool could do with adding some fresh blood to their attacking unit, making Raphinha a viable transfer target. The Brazilian has proven himself in the Premier League and, at 24, has his best years well ahead of him. However, Liverpool will now need to stave off competition from AC Milan for the signing of the Brazilian.
The Rossoneri are long-term admirers of the former Rennes star and could certainly do with adding more quality to their attacking unit. Samu Castillejo has underwhelmed for almost his entire stint at San Siro, while Alexis Saelemaekers has also seen his form dip quite drastically after an impressive start to the season.
So, Stefano Pioli’s side could certainly do with adding another quality option like Raphinha to their attacking unit, who can help them bridge the gap to the top of the pile in Italian football again. Apart from Milan and Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain are also a suitor of the Leeds United star. It will be interesting to see if any interested parties make a move for the Brazilian in January or the summer window.
