Leeds United are in the mix to make an outrageous move for one of the best attackers in European football, not currently in one of the top-five leagues. But, Arsenal could now strike a hammer blow.
A priority for Leeds is likely to be signing Manor Solomon from Tottenham, after his stunning form for Leeds last season. The Israel skipper had a hand in 23 goals and assists, scoring the goal to win the title.
But talks between Leeds and Tottenham for Solomon are struggling to reach an agreement. It is said that Spurs want between £15m and £20m for Solomon, but if they can’t agree a deal, they need someone else.
One option has emerged as Igor Paixao. The Brazilian ace has sparkled for Feyenoord, a side Leeds have done business with in the last few years – signing another winger in the form of Luis Sinisterra.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Leeds want Igor Paixao but face massive Arsenal competition
It emerged this week that Leeds and Brighton were in a £34m scrap for Feyenoord’s Paixao. Since then, plenty of new reports have emerged with European giants Napoli and Marseille also being linked.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
On Wednesday night, Leeds received a boost with Marseille opting to pull out due to Paixao’s asking price. The report said Leeds remained ‘very active’ in the chase for Paixao with the window now open.
However, Leeds could now be overpowered by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. The Times claim Arsenal have now added Paixao to their list of summer targets, alongside Aston Villa’s impressive ace Morgan Rogers.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Igor Paixao’s stance on a move to Leeds United this summer
Paixao is the kind of marquee signing that would really excite the Leeds fanbase, in similar fashion to Raphinha when he joined the club in the summer of 2020 from Rennes – for a fee less than £20m.
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Paixao is open to joining Leeds but only if his conditions are met. Reports say that Paixao’s demands would see him instantly become the club’s highest-paid player, and disrupt the current wage structure.
He is the kind of player that Adam Underwood might allow to do that. Mercurial, a magician, able to create out of nothing. But if Arsenal or Napoli do intensify their interest, Leeds don’t stand a chance.