Raphinha to Chelsea transfer: Barcelona deadline,…

Raphinha to Chelsea transfer: Barcelona deadline, talks reopened, decision made, terms agreed

Chelsea were expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League this summer, but with over a month of the window now elapsed, still, no new faces have arrived.

This is set to change in the next week after Raheem Sterling agreed personal terms with the club, whilst the Blues continue to chase a deal for Matthijs de Ligt. A number of big names have been linked with moves, including a shock transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo as Todd Boehly plays catch-up in the window.

One name who remains high on the agenda at Stamford Bridge is Leeds winger Raphinha. With that in mind, football.london brings you all the latest on the saga.

Barcelona deadline

Raphinha and agent Deco have set Barcelona a deadline to match Chelsea's bid for the Brazilian before they reopen talks with the Blues over a move. That's according to GOAL, who report that the Blaugrana have been given until Monday, July 11 to reach a conclusion.

Pre-season decision

Leeds United have confirmed that Raphinha won't be travelling with their senior squad to Australia for pre-season. The 25-year-old is staying in England to train while a transfer away from the club is being finalised.

Chelsea still in the lead

Concerns have mounted in west London over the chase for Raphinha after reports of a Barcelona resurgence emerged. A move to the Camp Nou has been the Brazilian's preference, but they are likely to struggle to reach Leeds' asking price.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Chelsea are still the only club to have had a bid accepted for the player, meaning they remain out in front in the race.

Agreement reached

Chelsea have reached a full agreement with Jesse Marsch's side over a move for the winger this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Yorkshire club, with Arsenal and Barcelona among those also reportedly in the queue.

It appears that the Blues are the first team to make a breakthrough in talks with Leeds. The Gunners are said to be the only other side that have tabled a bid so far, though their efforts have proven unsuccessful after falling short of the valuation.

Barcelona problem

Barcelona contacted Leeds on June 29, intending to make a new bid, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, following talks with agent Deco over a move. The verbal proposal made doesn't match the reported £60million offered by the Blues, though, with the Yorkshire club looking to respect the current agreement.

Fee revealed

As per The Athletic, Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee north of £55m with Leeds for Raphinha, but the deal isn't done yet. The report adds that the west Londoners are now best placed with both club and player as long-term favourites Barcelona can't afford him as things stand, and Arsenal can't either at the current required price.

Contract admission

Raphinha has been coy when asked about his future at Elland Road, claiming it is all up to his agent Deco and the Yorkshire-based club. "I have a contract with Leeds until 2024. My future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds," he said while on international duty with Brazil.

"I have my mind set on the national team, on the game and also on my vacations. I have a contract with Leeds, and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me."