Fabrizio Romano has dropped a claim on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Raphinha.

What's the word?

Transfer Focus

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Barcelona having already agreed personal terms with the Leeds United winger, the LaLiga side are yet to agree on a fee with the Whites in order for the 25-year-old's proposed switch to the Camp Nou to go ahead.

The transfer insider goes on to state that all three of Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have also made contact with Leeds regarding a move for the Brazil international in the summer transfer window, with the Whites expected to demand a figure in the region of £75m in order to part with the forward ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

In his tweet, Romano said: "Raphinha situation. Barcelona agreed personal terms with Raphinha, but no agreement on fee with Leeds. Arsenal are in direct negotiations with Leeds, interested since March. Both Chelsea & Tottenham have been in contact too. Fee could be around 65/75m."

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is true that Fabio Paratici does not currently appear to be leading the race for Raphinha's signature this summer, Romano's claim that the Italian sporting director has been in contact with Leeds concerning a deal for the winger is nevertheless certain to have left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £40.5m-rated talent has more than proven his ability at the highest level of the English game since his £17m move to Elland Road back in October 2020, scoring 17 goals and registering 12 assists over his 65 Premier League appearances for the Whites.

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Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £63k-per-week attacker also ranks in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's big five leagues for progressive passes per 90, as well as the top 22% for shots, the top 34% for xA, the top 32% for shot-creating actions and the top 35% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

The Brazilian also works exceptionally hard in a defensive capacity, with FBref ranking Raphinha in the top 9% for blocks per 90, as well as the top 21% for interceptions, the top 24% for clearances, the top 33% for tackles and the top 40% for pressures over the past 12 months.

And, considering these returns came while playing for a team who only avoided relegation from the top flight of English football by three points last season, it is undeniable that, should the Brazilian link up with the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski in the Tottenham attack next time out, his metrics would greatly improve.

As such, Romano's suggestion that Spurs are pursuing a deal for the £75m forward this summer will undoubtedly be an incredibly exciting update for both supporters of the club and Antonio Conte alike.

AND in other news: Conte now given green light for "unbelievable" £40m Spurs deal, imagine him & Bissouma