Chelsea Handed Blow In Raphinha Pursuit As Barcelona Match Offer

Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Raphinha as Barcelona’s latest offer matches what the Blues have already offered.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were leading the race for the Brazilian, having a £55 million offer accepted.

However, Barcelona have been attempting to hijack the deal ever since, with Raphinha still not agreeing on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has recently provided an update on the situation ahead of his side’s pre-season trip to Australia. 

Raphinha of Leeds United at half time during a Premier League match. (Alamy)

“My guess is, I don't know,” said Marsch regarding Raphinha’s attendance of the tour. 

“We just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days. There's urgency from his end, I think, to come up with a solution. We have to in the next couple of days see how things stand and see how we go.”

It had also been reported on Thursday that the Blues would learn their fate regarding the transfer pursuit within 24 hours as Barcelona could beat Tuchel’s side to the Brazilian.

Furthermore, Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted Raphinha wanted to join,  and that the dialogue was ongoing between all parties. 

“We have communication and have spoken with Leeds,” the Barcelona president stated last week.

 “What’s there is that there are other clubs that want Raphinha and are making their proposals. “He wants to come.”

It has now been reported that Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in the transfer saga, with Barcelona now matching their original offer.

As reported by Ben Jacobs, Barcelona’s offer now matches what the Blues have offered in total.

However, the base fee is said to be less than what Chelsea have offered.

Leeds have been in contact with Barcelona as advanced talks have taken place over the last 24 hours.

Nothing has been accepted as of now, with a fast resolution being expected due to Leeds pushing for a quick transfer.

Raphinha of Leeds United with the ball during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Leeds United. (Alamy)

Despite Laporta admitting that there was not a deadline for the deal, Leeds have forced Barcelona to act because they want to resolve the deal before the trip to Australia.

Marsch’s side have already brought in Luis Sinsterra as a replacement for the Brazilian, who is set to depart.

Furthermore, Jacobs states that Barcelona feel that they can reach an agreement but Chelsea still remain in the race as there is a big 24-48 hours ahead.

An ‘urgent’ transfer is required or Chelsea will become favourites for the move as Raphinha remains ‘very open’ to moving to London but only if a deal with Barcelona falls through.