Raphinha Holding Out For Barcelona As Leeds United Insist On Respecting £55 Million Chelsea Agreement

Raphinha is waiting to see if Barcelona can match Chelsea’s offer to Leeds United as the La Liga side remain confident of hijacking the deal, it has been reported.

This comes after the Blues agreed a £55 million deal with Leeds United, with personal terms seeming to be the only obstacle as he was considering the £6 million per season offer.

However, Raphinha’s insistence to move to Barcelona, added to by Xavi Hernandez’s side wishing to complete a deal, has left his move to Chelsea in doubt.

Raphinha in action for Leeds United. (Alamy)

Barcelona’s financial situation is well publicised, with the side failing to register free agents Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen after they reportedly agreed to sign for the club.

Deco, Raphinha’s agent, has been in the Barcelona offices this week.

It seems that he is eyeing the potential for his former club to match Chelsea’s offer for the Brazilian. 

The 25-year-old is already reported to have rejected Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this summer and could be set to make it three London rejections if Barcelona can match the Blues’ offer.

Italian journalist Gianluca Longari stated that Barcelona are now ‘convinced’ that they can hijack the deal. 

The player has reportedly granted Barcelona time to introduce their final proposal to Leeds United.

They will most likely have to match Chelsea’s £55 million plus £10 million in add-ons bid, with Leeds having no reason to accept a lower proposal.

Nizaar Kinsella of Goal continued to add to this as he confirmed the reports to be true.

He revealed that Raphinha is waiting to see if Barcelona are able to match the approach that Chelsea made to Leeds before deciding on his future.

The Blues have already made an offer, and it is seen as a good one for the player and club.

It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will end up signing Raphinha this summer as Barcelona do all that they can to hijack the bid.

Richarlison and Raphinha face off. (Alamy)

Fabrizio Romano continued to reveal that Barcelona have already contacted Leeds over a move and were ready to submit a new bid.

However, the verbal proposal of the Spanish side does not fulfil Leeds' request, and the Premier League side insist on respecting their agreement with Chelsea.

It remains unclear as to what the future will hold for Raphinha now, with Barcelona's latest verbal proposal knocked back.

Chelsea tried to hijack Tottenham Hotspurs’ deal for Everton forward Richarlison on Thursday morning following the news that Raphinha would prefer to move to Barcelona. 

However, after being quoted £60 million for the Toffee, the Blues decided against making a move and will be hoping that they can still convince Raphinha to play for them next season.