Chelsea have been handed a major blow in their efforts to sign Raphinha, with Barcelona reportedly looking to stifle the Blues' transfer swoop. The 25-year-old winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road this summer, and while Thomas Tuchel's side are said to have reached an agreement with Leeds United, Barcelona remain in contention.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Jesse Marsch's side on a £60-65million fee for the Brazil international. The west Londoners are reportedly now best placed to acquire Raphinha's signature, with Todd Boehly eager to wrap up a deal in a swift fashion to 'avoid problems'.
But, with the Spanish giants unwilling to surrender the transfer pursuit, Goal claim that representatives of both Raphinha and Barcelona are elongating negotiations until Xavi is armed with the finances to rival Chelsea's bid. Frenkie de Jong is among several stars at the Camp Nou who face an increasingly uncertain future and could end up funding a deal for the Leeds talisman.
