Leeds United have given Chelsea a huge boost as they look to conclude the signing of Raphinha ahead of Barcelona, according to reports.
The 25-year-old is reportedly holding off agreeing a move to Chelsea amid interest from Xavi Hernandez’s side.
Chelsea had 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.
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However, with Barcelona now wishing to complete a deal, the move was thrown into doubt.
Raphinha’s agent, Deco, has spent days in the Barcelona offices attempting to figure out a plan to sign for the Catalan club.
The Spanish side were ‘convinced’ that they could sign the Brazilian this summer, with personal terms being agreed for months.
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However, Leeds United have now stepped in to hand Chelsea a huge boost as they wish to sign the 25-year-old.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s proposal for Raphinha has already been sent as they proposed a verbal fee.
While the fee mentioned is unclear, Leeds United have ‘no intent’ on accepting the offer from Barcelona.
They are instead waiting for Raphinha and Deco to accept Chelsea’s offer, which is said to be an attractive one.
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Furthermore, Matt Law believes that Barcelona are expected to prioritise the signing of Robert Lewandowski ahead of Raphinha.
Unlike Raphinha, Lewandowski has gone on record to signal his intent to join Barcelona this summer.
He said: "No other offers were even considered by me other than that of Barcelona. I want to leave Bayern, that’s clear.
"It's time for a new stage for me. I hope the fans will understand. I would get the chance to take on a new challenge at another club for a few more years. That's my wish."
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Chelsea have not made a move for the forward, perhaps because his intentions have been clear since the start of the transfer window.
Raphinha has not publicly declared his desire to move to the Camp Nou this summer but it has been widely reported that this is his preference.
The Blues will be hoping that Leeds keep their promise regarding the transfer fee as Barcelona attempt to negotiate for a cheaper price than the Blues had accepted.
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Chelsea made a late attempt to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Richarlison on Thursday morning.
It is unclear as to whether this is related to the stumbling block in their pursuit for Raphinha, who sees Chelsea as a second option to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Leeds United, Raphinha, Barcelona, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms