Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizanni has made an honest admission regarding Chelsea’s bid for Raphinha earlier in the summer, admitting that he felt ‘ashamed’ that the player signed for Barcelona.
The Blues submitted an offer of £55 million for the former Leeds winger, which was accepted as the Premier League clubs rejected moves from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for the Brazilian.
However, two weeks later Raphinha had still not accepted a move to Chelsea as Leeds prepared for pre-season, with it unclear as to where he would play his football.
Ultimately, the 25-year-old ended up signing for Xavi’s Barcelona side as the Blues were dealt a blow.
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Reports during the saga believed that Leeds preferred to sell the winger to Chelsea, who made the initial bid and matched the player’s valuation.
These reports have all but been confirmed now, with Leeds owner Radrizanni opening up on the saga.
Speaking to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the owner said: "We had a deal with Chelsea and I felt ashamed to go back to Todd Boehly and change the position.”
He continued to reveal how he believes that it was the wrong thing to do in the situation, and that he had no other option as Raphinha had his heart set on a move to the Camp Nou.
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“It was for me, disrespectful and not the right thing to do.
"I didn't have a choice.
“If I could decide to not sell the player I would have preferred that but I didn't have a choice."
The Italian admitted that there were several other bids for Raphinha but that Chelsea’s offer was the best that they received before Barcelona matched the terms.
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"We had interest from Tottenham, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.
"The best deal we agreed was with Chelsea.
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"The deal with Barcelona was pretty much the same,” he revealed.
The Leeds owner finalised by admitting that he is not sure how Barcelona had the money to sign Raphinha, and continued to threaten the club with legal action if they do not pay for the player in September.
He finalised: “I don't know how they suddenly found the money and how it works. It's not clear. I'll tell you in September (if Barcelona can pay for the deal), if not we will have a global case."
Chelsea are yet to identify a replacement in attack for their former target, with Raheem Sterling arriving previously as the Blues look to challenge at the top of the Premier League this season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Raphinha, Barcelona, Leeds United, Thomas Tuchel, Todd Boehly, Premier League, Football
