Chelsea will have direct contact with Raphinha’s agent, Deco, on Thursday, according to reports.
There has been a dramatic twist in the transfer pursuit of late, with Barcelona said to be ‘very alive’ in a deal for the Chelsea-linked star. 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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However, his preference appears to be Barcelona as Raphinha and his agent Deco could look to make a deal to the Camp Nou happen.
Now it has been revealed that the Blues are awaiting an answer from the Brazilian.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, direct talks will take place with Chelsea tomorrow.
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Deco is set to meet with the Blues, his former club, to further discuss personal terms over Raphinha’s contract if he is set to move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could look to increase their offer if they wish to convince Raphinha into a move.
The Italian continues to report that both Barcelona and Arsenal will ‘try until the end’ for the 25-year-old.
The Catalan club have already agreed personal terms with Raphinha, as Deco agreed to these four months ago.
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The agents spent Wednesday in the Barcelona offices, with his intentions unclear.
Barcelona will attempt to lower Leeds United’s demands for Raphinha due to their struggling financial situation.
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, Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and are still deciding whether to renew Ousmane Dembele’s contract.
Furthermore, Franck Kessie and former Blue Andreas Christensen are set to sign on free contracts after leaving their clubs.
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Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring Raphinha to Stamford Bridge this summer, reportedly the driving force behind the move.
The German has taken control of the incomings and outgoings along with Todd Boehly this summer as Chelsea look to rebuild their squad ahead of the new season.
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 who will follow Raphinha to Stamford Bridge, if the Blues can agree personal terms.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Thomas Tuchel, Raphinha, Barcelona, Transfers, Football, Leeds United
Nick Emms