Leeds United attacker Raphinha has been subject to a lot of interest in this summer transfer window. The player’s attacking displays for the club last season attracted interest from some major teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona, with all three making advances throughout the current off-season.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has issued an exclusive report that puts Chelsea in the driver’s seat to get a deal done for the Brazilian with the club reportedly indicating that they are willing to pay upwards of £55 million for the wide-man.
🚨 EXCL: Chelsea close to agreeing fee north of £55m with Leeds for Raphinha but not done yet. #CFC now best placed with #LUFC & 25yo as long-term favourites Barcelona can’t afford it at present + Arsenal not currently at required price @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/cPEmDq4d8N
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 28, 2022
Chelsea Close to Agreement with Leeds for Raphinha
Other Interest
As mentioned previously, the Blues were not alone in their interest for the Leeds winger. Spanish giants Barcelona were long considered the favourites with the player himself preferring a move there, but the Catalan side is not in a position to pay such lofty fees at this time.
On the other side of London, the Gunners are reportedly not willing to pay as much as their blue counterparts, partially due to their focus on signing Gabriel Jesus.
Chelsea and Leeds have reached full agreement for Raphinha! Official bid accepted around £60/65m [add ons included]. Main part of amount to be paid immediately. It’s done between clubs. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Talks now ongoing on player side on personal terms and contract. Boehly, on it. pic.twitter.com/gNbc4HbrTa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2022
Chelsea Making Moves
With new owners firmly in place it is time for the former Champions League winners to start throwing around their weight in this window. Thomas Tuchel and his side need reinforcements to beef up the squad and make up for any potential departures that are on the horizon.
Read More: Chelsea Transfer Budget Revealed With Thomas Tuchel Promised Up To Six Summer Signings
While the fee for Raphinha will take a chunk out of Tuchel’s war chest it is part of the plan for the new club owners to support the German manager and provide him with a squad capable of securing a top-four finish in the upcoming campaign.
What the Brazilian will bring to London is an attacking flair with the occasional goal to boot as he netted 17 times in 65 Premier League games for his (soon-to-be-former?) team.
