Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Leeds United star Raphinha, as Barcelona are still ‘very alive’ in the race to sign the Brazilian, according to reports in Spain.
The Brazilian was said to be considering personal terms after Leeds United accepted a £55 million offer from Chelsea.
The Blues’ offer is said to be worth £6 million per season as they looked likely to sign the winger.
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Thomas Tuchel was the driving force behind a move for Raphinha as the German takes control of the Blues’ transfer business this summer.
However, despite a fee being agreed, it appears that Barcelona could still have a part to play in the transfer pursuit.
As reported by Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona are still 'very alive' in the hunt for Raphinha.
The player’s agent, Deco, who is also a former Chelsea and Barcelona player, is said to be in talks with Leeds United.
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Deco is trying to successfully make Raphinha join Barcelona, despite the transfer agreement between Chelsea and Leeds United, the report continues.
Both Raphinha and his agent consider a move to Barcelona as a priority, it is believed.
The 25-year-old is already reported to have rejected Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this summer and could make it a hat-trick if he has his eyes set on La Liga.
It was previously revealed that his preference was to sign for Barcelona this summer, but the Spaniards are yet to agree terms with Leeds.
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It remains unclear as to whether the Spanish side can convince Leeds United to lower their price for Raphinha, with the club struggling financially this summer.
Frenkie de Jong has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United as they look to raise funds but are also interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
Furthermore, Ousmane Dembele is yet to agree to a contract extension at the Camp Nou after being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.
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Raphinha’s future remains unclear, with the Blues the only club to have had a bid accepted for him at this point in time.
There are set to be as many as six incomings this summer at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea ready to submit an offer to Manchester City for Raheem Sterling in the coming days.
It remains to be seen as to whether Raphinha will link up with Tuchel as the Blues look to challenge at the top of the Premier League next season.
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Barcelona are trying to heap the pressure on the transfer with the latest developments, as Chelsea must hurry to wrap up personal terms if they are to sign the Brazilian.
If a deal for Raphinha collapses, Chelsea will most likely look at alternative targets as they look to rebuild the attack in London ahead of the new season.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Raphinha, Barcelona, Leeds United, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms