There has been another turn in the transfer battle for Leeds United winger, with Barcelona and Chelsea actively seeking to sign the Brazilian this summer.
The 25-year-old prefers a move to the Camp Nou this summer and has been waiting for Barcelona to match Chelsea’s bid.
However, the £55 million offer from the Blues remains to be the only one accepted by Leeds United this summer.
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The most recent reports stated that Raphinha has set Barcelona a deadline before he will re-open talks with Chelsea.
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The Blues have been patient, as have Leeds United, but with the La Liga side yet to act on their promise, unable to meet the demands of the Premier League side.
There have now been further updates, which could act as a boost to Chelsea as they remain hopeful of completing the signing.
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Firstly, talkSPORT report that Barcelona wish to pay the first instalment of cash to Leeds United next year.
However, there are ‘real concerns’ whether the club will be able to meet that agreement due to their financial woes.
They are still yet to register Franck Kessie or Andreas Christensen after the pair signed on free contracts, while continuing to negotiate with Ousmane Dembele regarding his extension.
Furthermore, Nick Purewel has stated that the Brazilian, Raphinha, remains keen to join Chelsea if Barcelona cannot seal a deal with Leeds in the coming days.
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Barcelona are said to not be just testing the patience of many clubs but even Raphinha ‘can be added to that list’ as negotiations drag on.
Sunday morning saw further updates hand a boost to the Blues despite Spanish journalist Gerard Romero stating that ‘something is planned’ in the coming hours by Barcelona.
Ben Jacobs revealed that Barcelona are expected to approve a renewal of Dembele’s contract, with it remaining to be seen now as to whether they will, and can afford to, pursue a deal for Raphinha as well.
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Furthermore, Jacobs reports that Deco will turn to Chelsea next week if no progress is made with Barcelona.
Leeds United continue to stress that they would rather sell to Chelsea and Barcelona have been 'frustrating' to negotiate with.
With a fee agreed for Raheem Sterling, the England international is set to join Thomas Tuchel’s side this summer.
It remains to be seen as to whether Raphinha will join the 27-year-old at Stamford Bridge or whether Barcelona can pull off the signing despite their current financial situation.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Leeds United, Barcelona, Raphinha, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms