Barcelona are closing in on a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha after reportedly agreeing a fee with the Whites. The La Liga outfit looks set to beat Chelsea to the Brazilian's signature in a transfer saga that has been ongoing for a number of months.
Thomas Tuchel's side agreed a fee with Leeds United last month but Raphinha has been holding out for a move to the Camp Nou and is keen to follow in Ronaldinho's footsteps. The 25-year-old was not included in Leeds' squad to go to Australia and they'll be hoping the saga is nearing a close.
Jesse Marsch's side have already moved quickly to sign his replacement, bringing in Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord. Here is a round-up of all the latest regarding the deal.
Barcelona in the driving seat after new bid
Raphinha is on the verge of his dream move after Barcelona agree agreeing a £63million deal with Leeds United. The Daily Mail claims the Spanish giants have won the race to sign the playmaker, beating Chelsea to his signature.
homas Tuchel's side had a bid of £55m plus £8m in add ons accepted by the Whites hierarchy but the Brazilian has had his heart set on a move to Barcelona and the Blaugrana have agreed a similar deal.
The Brazilian is set to land in Spain later this week to finalise a move to the Nou Camp after the sale of TV rights created the funds for the transfer. The La Liga outfit are also understood to be keen on a move for Bayer Munich's Robert Lewandowski as they look to reclaim the throne in Spain.
Conclusion imminent
A conclusion to the saga involving Leeds United winger Raphinha looks set to draw to a close in the coming days with Barcelona now in advanced talks. That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who claims that while no agreement has yet been reached, Barcelona’s offer now matches that of Chelsea, though the base fee is less.
Chelsea had a bid of around £65 million accepted by Leeds last week but no progress has yet been made from Raphinha’s point of view as he holds out for his dream Barcelona move. Leeds have told Barcelona to act quickly in order to avoid the saga dragging on even deeper into the window, as they look to put the funds towards a new striker.
Raphinha reportedly remains open to a move to Chelsea if Barcelona either fail to agree a deal or drag it on much longer. Jacobs says that the next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial to deciding where the Brazilian is playing his football next season.
Marsch on Raphinha
“I don’t know [if he will be coming to Australia],” he said. “We just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days.
“There’s urgency from his end to come up with a solution and then we have to, in the next couple of days, see where things stand and then make that decision.
"It hasn’t been an easy time for him this summer. Things have come and gone and there’s been a lot of little discussions.
“Right now he’s our player. He showed up today (Thursday) and trained with everybody. He had such a good attitude.
“We had a very open and honest conversation about while he’s here he’s part of us and then we’ll see what happens. It’s still a long way to go in the transfer window.
“I know he has hopes and dreams and we’ll see how everything goes, but his attitude in being back with the team [has been great]. That’s what I said to him.
“I know he loves this team. I know he loves this club and I know he loves being here, but we’ll see how things progress day by day.”
Leeds sign Raphinha replacement
Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Colombian international Luis Sinisterra as their busy summer transfer window continues. The 23-year-old arrives from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee and has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal at Elland Road that will run until the summer of 2027.
The winger is the club's sixth signing this summer and follows the arrival of Tyler Adams on Wednesday evening as the club continue to re-shape their squad following the exit of Kalvin Phillips earlier this week.
Leeds set Barca deadline
Leeds United have set Barcelona a deadline of today to present their latest offer for Raphinha. That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who claims that Barcelona are no closer to a full agreement and Leeds want the Brazilian’s future sorted quickly.
Raphinha is currently the only Leeds player not yet back for pre-season with speculation ongoing over a departure. Chelsea are the only club to have had a bid accepted, but Raphinha is holding out for Barcelona, who are still struggling to meet Leeds’ asking price.
Laporta discusses Raphinha and Dembele
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that his side’s efforts to sign Raphinha will not be determined by the future of Ousmane Dembele. The Spanish club have made clear their intention to sign the Leeds United winger amid interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The Camp Nou is thought to be the Brazilian’s preferred destination and he has proven as such by reportedly delaying attempts from Chelsea to discuss personal terms. The Blues - backed by new owner Todd Boehly - had a £60million offer accepted by the Whites earlier in the week but are facing problems bringing their target to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea moved swiftly to make an offer for the 25-year-old following Ousmane Dembele's decision to sign a new contract at Barcelona and remain at the Catalan club - a move that was thought to end their pursuit of £60million Raphinha amid crippling financial problems, if it is true.
But Blaugrana chief Laporta has insisted this is not the case, stating that he and his side will remain in the running for Leeds’ Brazilian winger whether Dembele signs a new deal or not.
“We have talked about Raphinha with Leeds, we know that the player would also like to come to Barça,” Laporta said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo . “But there are also other clubs that want him. It would not be dependent on Dembele, because the coach sees them as compatible.”
Barcelona secure major investment
Barcelona are set to receive a major cash injection after agreeing a deal with global investment firm Sixth Street for the sale of 10% of the Club’s LaLiga TV rights for the next 25 years. The Spanish giants will receive a total cash injection of €267 million for the current season by the American company, who will initially invest €207.5 million.
This could have major implications in their pursuit of Raphinha, who is one of their top targets this summer. Their financial woes have so proved to be a major barrier between themselves and a deal for the Leeds United star, with Chelsea having jumped to the front of the queue after agreeing a fee on Tuesday.
The Camp Nou has remained Raphinha’s favoured destination throughout the saga, though, and this investment could prove significant as they look to match Chelsea’s fee. Speaking to fcbarcelona.com, President Joan Laporta believes this will significantly ‘strengthen the club’s financial footing’ after a turbulent summer so far.
Barcelona still lingering
Raphinha's agent Deco travelled to Barcelona on Wednesday amid reports that the Catalans are looking to 'hijack' Chelsea's bid for the Leeds United winger.
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Deco met with officials from the Camp Nou in a last-gasp effort to see if Barcelona are able to match Chelsea's offer, amid further claims that the Spaniards are looking to rush through a cash injection that will allow them to be competitive in the summer transfer market.
The Raphinha transfer saga took another major turn yesterday when Chelsea reportedly reached an agreement for the Brazilian international after tabling a £60million bid. Barcelona have been chasing Raphinha for months as a replacement for French international Ousmane Dembele, who is set to become a free agent on July 1.
Chelsea hijack Arsenal
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Leeds United's Raphinha. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the fee will rise to £65m, with the bulk to be paid immediately.
That claim comes on the back of a report from The Athletic, who said Chelsea had jumped ahead of Arsenal in the battle to sign the Leeds United winger. The Gunners were at the front of the queue last week after submitting the first formal offer, but Chelsea are now clear favourites for his signature.
It comes just hours after the Telegraph reported Chelsea were ‘seriously considering’ a bid for Raphinha, with things having seemingly moved quickly today. Thomas Tuchel is looking to revamp his attack this summer and are also in talks to sign Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling with Romelu Lukaku set to join Inter Milan.
Newcastle United hold talks
Newcastle United have reportedly held a first round of talks with Leeds United over signing Raphinha this summer. That is according to the Northern Echo, who claim that the Magpies are looking at the Brazilian as an alternative to Moussa Diaby, with Bayer Leverkusen holding firm in their desire to keep him.
While Raphinha's favoured destination remains Barcelona, Arsenal are currently leading the race, as they look to intensify talks this week. It is yet unclear how serious Newcastle are in the pursuit, given the Echo are also stating they are not willing to meet Leeds' £60 million asking price.
Arsenal 'intensify' efforts
Arsenal are reportedly set to intensify their efforts to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha this week after seeing an initial bid rejected, according to the Athletic. The Gunners are expected to confirm the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City imminently, which will see them turn their attentions onto their next targets.
The Brazilian is now thought to be open to joining Arsenal this summer after initially making it clear his preferred destination was Barcelona. However, that option now appears to be off the table and the 'feeling among suitors' is that Arsenal are now leading the race.
Raphinha 'wants swift conclusion'
Raphinha is looking for a ‘swift conclusion’ to this summer’s transfer saga, according to the Daily Mail, as growing interest looks set to spark a bidding war. The Brazilian has courted interest from a host of clubs, and with Barcelona looking out of the race due to their financial constraints it looks like a Premier League shootout between Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.
The Catalan club - with their links to Raphinha’s agent Deco - were long seen as the preferred destination for the winger, but it has gone quiet at the Nou Camp as the Whites remain firm on their demands, and that has opened to door to top-six Premier League clubs to swoop in and get a deal done.
The Gunners became the first side to table an official bid for the 25-year-old on Tuesday evening, although that was some way below the £65million valuation and swiftly rejected. Spurs and Chelsea look set to make their first moves imminently in what could become a three-way bidding war.
Arsenal plot second Raphinha bid
Arsenal are lining up a second bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha as they step up their attempts to prise the Brazilian to North London. That is according to the Guardian, who claim the Gunners are looking to move quickly to beat off competition from Chelsea and Tottenham.
Arsenal became the first club to make a formal offer for Raphinha earlier this week, though that fell short of Leeds' valuation and was therefore rejected.
Arsenal see first bid rejected
Leeds United turned down the first official approach for Raphinha after receiving a formal offer from the Gunners for their star winger. Arsenal became the first, of a number of Premier League clubs linked with the Brazilian, to table an official formal offer for the in-demand player.
The Gunners, along with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool have been linked for a number of weeks now with Leeds' prized asset. While many questioned if Arsenal's interest was genuine enough to make a play for Raphinha, that questioned has at least been answered, somewhat.
While the offer was not thought to be seen as an insulting one and has substance, it falls significantly short of what Leeds believe Raphinha is worth and what they feel they would need if they were to sell a player who is under contract for another two years and who has, up to this stage at least, not requested to leave the club.
Barcelona face big competition
Barcelona have been sent a warning in their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha as his list of potential suitors continues to grow, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish side remain the front-runners for the Brazilian but as their financial issues continue to rumble on, other clubs have entered the race.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all thought to be keen on signing Raphinha this summer, though Barcelona has always been his first choice. Both north London clubs are plotting ambitious transfer windows, but with Bukayo Saka and Dejan Kulusevski both first choice in Raphinha’s position respectively, it remains to be seen whether that would tempt him into joining either of them.
Liverpool end interest
Liverpool's signing pf Aberdeen right back Calvin Ramsay will reportedly mark the end of their summer transfer business. The Reds are have beaten Leeds United to the signing of the talented 18-year-old, with the Whites instead moving quickly to bring in Rasmus Kristensen after learning of Ramsay’s Anfield preference.
However, perhaps more significantly for Leeds, this is set to end their summer interest in Raphinha, with Liverpool one of several sides to have been linked with him. According to the Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp’s side will not be making any new additions following confirmation of Ramsay’s arrival.
Barcelona turn attention elsewhere?
Barcelona have begun to look into alternatives to Leeds United winger Raphinha according to reports in Spain and could sign Angel Di Maria as a short-term fix. The 34-year-old will be a free agent after running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the month, and reportedly wants a one-year deal with a European club before ending his career in Argentina.
Barcelona have made Raphinha their priority target for the summer but their negotiations have stalled amid Leeds’ firm stance. The Whites have set a price tag of £60-70 million and will not accept an offer of installments - demands which a financially-stricken Barcelona may struggle to meet.
'Transfer request'
A few weeks ago, it was reported in Spain that Raphinha would hand in a transfer request. That's according to SPORT, who claim that the Brazilian is looking to force a move to the Spanish giants.
The Catalan side have made no secret of their interest in the Leeds man, who finished the season as the club's top scorer in a disappointing campaign in the Premier League. But Raphinha's raw ability and potential has seen him linked with a host of clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Sport claim that Barcelona have previously made a £35million bird which was rejected, with a fee of around £50-60 million reportedly wanted by the West Yorkshire club.
Liverpool offer Raphinha swap deal
Liverpool have rejoined the race for Raphinha and could offer Japanese forward Takumi Minamino in a player-plus-cash deal, according to the Mirror .
Jurgen Klopp has been a long-time admirer of the Leeds winger and will likely be in the market amid growing resignation that Sadio Mane will go to Bayern Munich.
He is reportedly prepared to use Minamino - who played under Jesse Marsch at RB Salzburg - as leverage, with Leeds making their stance of £60-70 million paid upfront clear.
Barcelona director of football 'to meet' with Leeds
Barcelona’s director of football is due to fly to England this week and meet Leeds United to try and manufacture a deal for Raphinha, according to reports. Catalan daily paper SPORT have said that Mateu Alemany will fly to the UK next week in order to try and secure the Brazilian’s services, with the club remaining stubborn on their financial terms.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old for some time, but those in charge at Elland Road have dug their heels in with a demand of £60-70 million paid upfront, with no consideration for instalments. The Catalan club’s financial troubles have been well documented and it could be that they simply cannot afford that amount upfront, but Alemany will be hopeful an in-person meeting could soften Leeds’ stance.
Reports suggest that Barcelona consider something around £30-35 million a fairer price, but Leeds don’t look like budging from their valuation and there are no obvious player-plus-cash deals that can help the Spanish club.
Raphinha opens up on future
Speaking to the press ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Japan on Monday, Raphinha addressed his future at Elland Road, but made clear his intention to do anything to play for Brazil in Qatar.
“If I say that it doesn't matter, I would be lying,” Raphinha said, as reported by Globo. “Knowing that there are less than six months left for the Cup, you have to be active in the clubs, that weighs on the decision, but I trust my potential. If it's to stay or leave, I'll do my best, look for my space and I'll try to be well for the World Cup.
"I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds, I have my mind on the national team, on the game and also on my vacation, we need a vacation.
“I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my manager, when something is right, he sends [it to] me."
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