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Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee in excess of £55 million for Leeds United star Raphinha, according to reports.
The 25-year-old is believed to be ready to leave Leeds this summer and has attracted interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona.
Barcelona are not in a financial position to make a move for the Brazilian, while Arsenal and Spurs have shown keen interest.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had shown interest back in January but due to the sanctions placed on the club in March, they were unable to make any progress ahead of the summer transfer window.
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But Tuchel’s willingness to want Raphinha in west London next season has proven to be a vital factor as co-owner Todd Boehly backs him in the window.
It’s now reported by The Athletic that Chelsea have ‘verbally indicated’ to Leeds that they are willing to pay a fee north of £55 million to strike a transfer this summer.
Talks have taken place between the two clubs, with Thomas Tuchel personally driving the interest, as reported by Nizaar Kinsella, and negotiations have progressed.
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It’s now down to Raphinha’s preference of club and it’s reported by The Athletic that Chelsea are in ‘pole position’ for the winger.
Matt Law of The Telegraph adds that Chelsea are growing increasingly confident that Raphinha and Raheem Sterling will both be signed this summer to bolster Tuchel’s attack next season.
Chelsea are confident of striking a deal with Manchester City for Sterling, with a fee expected to be in the region of £50 million.
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Fabrizio Romano now adds to the report by claiming Chelsea and Leeds have reached a full agreement for the transfer of Raphinha.
He reports that a bid of between £60 and 65 million including add-ons has been accepted. Talks over personal terms are now ongoing.
Tuchel was promised to be backed in the transfer window and it appears co-owner Todd Boehly and co are delivering on their word by bringing in Raphinha and Sterling.
Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract at Barcelona this week, has also been linked but with two forwards set to arrive, an arrival is now unclear unless Chelsea manage to offload some of their forwards.
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Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have both been linked with moves away, while Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of returning to Inter Milan.
Boehly and co mean business. A Brazilian coup for the Blues - Tuchel will be more than happy.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Raphinha, Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Leeds United, Football, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
