Raphinha finally makes Chelsea transfer decision if Barcelona transfer fails
If Barcelona and Leeds United cannot come to an agreement on a price, Raphinha is prepared to join Chelsea this summer, according to reports.
The 25-year-old is expected to leave Elland Road this summer, with Chelsea and Barcelona the two clubs most interested in acquiring his services.
The Brazilian has attracted the attention of Thomas Tuchel, who is aiming to bolster his offensive line this summer, and the Blues have agreed on a price.
Up to six new hires have been promised for him this summer, with an emphasis on the attack and defense.
A senior source told The Telegraph last month: “The key is to basically work with Tuchel to come up with the best players that are available.
“We really want to make sure we have a good defence. We’ve got depth in midfield. We’re not desperate for an out-and-out striker.
“I think it’s a combination of moves and there’s five or six that we’re going to look to make.”
Raphinha is among those wanted and a deal worth £55 million plus add-ons was agreed between the two clubs and now an offer for personal terms, worth £6 million per season, has been proposed to Raphinha.
He is currently weighing up the offer from Chelsea, however he is holding out to see if Barcelona are able to financially afford a move.
Leeds will respect their agreement with Chelsea and will wait to see if the Spanish side can match the bid.
Barcelona has always been Raphinha’s preference, but as reported by The Telegraph, he is prepared to make the switch to Stamford Bridge if a move to Spain fails to materialise.
His agent, Deco – formerly of Chelsea – has been in Barcelona meeting with the club to explore whether a transfer is financially viable.
Chelsea are in pole position for the winger, as it stands, with Todd Boehly happy to remain patient to see how it plays with personal terms ‘broadly agreed’ and not expected to be an issue.
However, as for Raphinha, Chelsea will no doubt want to know in the coming days, as early as possible, over what the 25-year-old’s final decision is – wait for Barcelona, or put on hold his preference of the Camp Nou and put pen to paper at Stamford Bridge for five years.