Barcelona believe that Raphinha only wants to go to the Camp Nou this summer despite Chelsea having a bid accepted, according to reports.
The 25-year-old is yet to agree personal terms with Chelsea after Leeds United accepted their £55 million offer earlier this week.
Thomas Tuchel has already been promised up to six signings this summer by the new owners at Chelsea, with the attack and defence eyed as the priority.
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Leeds United are adamant that they will respect their agreement with Chelsea and not accept less than the Blues bid this summer.
However, with Barcelona’s financial situation, it appears that they are unable to afford such a high price.
A move to Spain is said to be the preference of Raphinha this summer, with his agent Deco meeting with the officials from Barcelona.
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They have spent this week exploring whether a transfer is feasible this summer, with Chelsea said to be the second option for Raphinha if a move to Barcelona cannot happen.
As reported by Matt Law of The Telegraph, the view at Barcelona is that Raphinha only wants to join them.
However, they cannot and will not match Chelsea’s bid so far.
This comes as a boost to Chelsea, with it looking unlikely that Leeds will accept less than their current valuation for the Brazilian.
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Jesse Marsch’s side have no reason to accept less than Chelsea’s offer this summer.
Raphinha is waiting to see if Barcelona are able to match the approach that Chelsea made to Leeds before deciding on his future.
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Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly is not willing to delay their negotiations for the 25-year-old and will not wait for Barcelona to stump up the money this summer.
Chelsea also tried to hijack Tottenham Hotspurs’ deal for Everton forward Richarlison on Thursday morning following the news regarding Raphinha.
However, a deal was not able to be reached as he joined Antonio Conte’s side this summer.
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling is also wanted and talks remain ongoing over a proposed transfer for the England international.
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Tuchel wished to bring both Sterling and Raphinha to Stamford Bridge this summer as he looks towards a summer rebuild at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are set for a pre-season tour across the United States later this month, with the club keen to get as many signings in before they depart.
With the first batch of players due back in training on Saturday, Tuchel is looking ahead to the new season as he wishes to bring in players this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Leeds United, Raphinha, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms