Barcelona hopeful of hijacking Raphinha from the jaws of Chelsea

(Football news) Leeds' winger Raphinha has attracted offers from Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea. Arsenal were in negotiations but were soon out bid by Chelsea who reached full agreement with Leeds United. Despite that, the personal negotiations with Raphinha himself aren't progressing. According to reports the reason is that the Brazilian prefers a move to FC Barcelona who are also interested in Raphinha. The only problem is that Barcelona may not be able to match the £60m offer. The current offer from the Blaugrana is €50m plus €10m in add-ons but Leeds have insisted that they will respect the £60m deal with Chelsea.

Personal terms were never an issue with Barcelona as they had already agreed terms with Raphinha 4 months ago. Barcelona were perhaps hoping that Leeds would get relegated and they would get the winger for much cheaper. Leeds spectacularly survived relegation on the final day which was bad news for the Catalan club. Now Raphinha's persistence will be the only thing that will make the transfer happen but at the same time Barcelona will definitely have to increase their offer. Barcelona president Joan Laporta said “Raphinha wants to come to Barca. We have communication and have spoken with Leeds. What’s there is that there are other clubs that want Raphinha and are making their proposals”.

The deal will be complicated for Barcelona but Raphinha is a player who would fit perfectly at the club. Barcelona have decided not to make Adama Traore's loan deal permanent and Ousmane Dembele's future is still unclear. Therefore, Barcelona needs a right winger and Raphinha is a very good option. A move to a top club like Barcelona under Xavi will be a good one for the Brazilian. Chelsea is also not a bad option but it looks like Raphinha has made up his mind. It could take a while before a deal is finalized but staying at Leeds is definitely ruled out at this stage.

Also read: Eden Hazard to play in a new position at Real Madrid next season

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