Chelsea are hopeful of completing a £55 million deal to sign Leeds United star Raphinha despite a late move from FC Barcelona, according to reports.
There was a dramatic twist in the transfer pursuit on Wednesday afternoon, with Barcelona said to be ‘very alive’ in a deal for the Chelsea-linked winger.
Raphinha had been said to be considering personal terms after Leeds United accepted a bid from Chelsea.
It was revealed that his agent, Deco, met with Barcelona officials after Chelsea had offered his client £6 million a year.
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The subject of the meeting was unclear but reports stated that he was there to inform Barcelona of Chelsea’s offer and see if they would match the £55 million bid.
Deco is set to meet with Chelsea on Thursday to discuss personal terms further, despite reports stating that a £6 million per season contract had been offered.
While Raphinha’s preference is widely reported to be Barcelona, it was previously reported that the Brazilian is set to reject both Arsenal and Tottenham in favour of a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea would be his preference if he is to remain in the Premier League, with the Blues looking to seal the signing.
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As reported by Matt Law, Chelsea’s owners remain hopeful that they have done enough to seal a deal for the winger.
Todd Boehly, who is the interim sporting director following Marina Granovskaia’s departure, acted quickly to meet Leeds’ demands.
With as many as six incomings this summer, Chelsea will be hoping that a deal for the 25-year-old does not hit a stumbling block.
The Blues are also said to be ready to submit an offer to Manchester City for Raheem Sterling in the coming days but it remains to be seen as to whether the hold-up in Raphinha’s deal could affect the bid.
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Chelsea head coach Tuchel was said to be personally ‘driving interest’ ahead of the move, and was pictured with Raphinha after Chelsea beat Leeds last season at Stamford Bridge.
With a meeting planned tomorrow, Boehly will be hoping that they can convince Deco and Raphinha that a move to Chelsea should take priority over his dream of playing for Barcelona.
Barcelona’s financial situation could come into play, with the Spanish side yet to register outgoing Chelsea player Andreas Christensen due to economic implications.
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The Catalan club would have to match Chelsea’s bid for Raphinha or convince Leeds to accept a lower amount.
As it stands, the Blues remain hopeful of a deal being completed in the coming days.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Barcelona, Raphinha, Football, Premier League, Leeds United