Raphinha has revealed that Neymar steered him away from joining Chelsea or Arsenal this summer amid interest from Barcelona. The former Leeds United winger was heavily linked with a move to both of the London giants, but instead swapped Elland Road for the Camp Nou.
football.london understand that the Blues had a £55million bid, with £10million payable via add-ons, accepted by Jesse Marsch's side. However, it was understood that, evidently, Raphinha preferred a move to Barcelona.
And, it turns out that it was Neymar who persuaded the Brazil international to join the Catalan side. Speaking to La Vanguardia, as quoted by talkSPORT, the Paris Saint-Germain star convinced Raphinha that a move to the Spanish giants would be his dream move.
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"I rejected Chelsea because my dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt," the 25-year-old said. "I talked to Neymar about a move and he told me that if I get to Barcelona then I won’t regret and he was right.
"What surprised me in the club? Without a doubt the warm welcome of the fans, the coaching staff and the players, everyone is good and looking to help the new players."
Raphinha continued by detailing his 'dream' to join the Catalan side and how Ronaldinho congratulated him for his move. He said: "My dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt, which is a club that I have followed since I was very young.
"Since Ronaldinho arrived," he added. "With him I began to understand a little more the history of the club. I wanted to be a part of this. So that dream, those desires were stronger than any other proposal no matter how powerful it was financially.
"Ronnie congratulated me through my father. Yes, I talk a lot with Neymar. He told me that if he came here he would not regret it. He is right."
Raphinha, who penned a five-year deal at Barcelona, emerged as one of Europe's most coveted wingers last season, earning the interest of Chelsea and Arsenal as they looked to bolster their frontline. He featured 35 times for Leeds in the Premier League last season, directly contributing to 14 goals.
But, both the Blues and the Gunners proved unsuccessful in their mission to sign the Brazilian; Chelsea signed Raheem Sterling instead, but Arsenal are yet to find an alternative.
Mikel Arteta's side were heavily linked with a move for Villarreal starlet Yeremy Pino late into the summer window, but a deal failed to materialise.
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