As he continues to seek for a transfer to Barcelona, Leeds United forward Raphinha is said to have given his agent the order to halt a potential transfer to Chelsea.
The Brazilian international appears to be at the centre of a transfer scuffle between Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. The latter team was anticipated to complete his deal in the coming days.
Raphinha’s transfer to Chelsea is thought to have cost around £60 million, as Leeds refused to lower their asking price for the 25-year-old.
Raphinha has not yet signed a contract with Chelsea, though, and as a result, Barcelona and Arsenal are continuing to pursue the former Rennes player.
In the most recent development in the transfer crisis, Sport reports that Raphinha has instructed Deco, his agent, to block a transfer to Chelsea while Barcelona is still in the running.
Raphinha to Barcelona
Raphinha is rumoured to have an agreement in principle with Xavi’s side on personal conditions, and Camp Nou is thought to be his favourite destination for a summer transfer.
Due to their ongoing financial issues, Barca has found it difficult to match Leeds’ £60 million value, but a spot has opened up in the attacking ranks of the Blaugrana.
The Frenchman, Ousmane Dembele, is now a free agent after his contract officially expired at the end of June, while Adama Traore has left after his loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Although a new contract for Dembele is not ruled out, the club is also understood to be receptive to Memphis Depay contract proposals, which would allow them to further reduce their payroll costs.
Possibility of Raphinha moving to Chelsea
Raphinha allegedly has no interest in talking about personal terms with Chelsea since he has “dreamed” of playing for Barcelona his entire life.
Although Raphinha’s attitude is not said to have been well received by the Stamford Bridge administration, the attacker, not Leeds, will eventually decide on his next club.
The former Sporting Lisbon player scored 11 goals and assisted on three more in 35 Premier League games, making a significant impact to the Whites’ ability to stay in the top level.
Raphinha’s 67 appearances for Leeds United have resulted in 17 goals and 12 assists, and he still has two more years left on his Elland Road deal.
Chelsea may consequently need to look elsewhere for offensive additions, but there are reports that their negotiations with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling are moving along.
Todd Boehly, the new owner of the Blues, is rumoured to be interested in a high-profile transfer for Neymar and may have received assistance in his pursuit of the 30-year-old, who is apparently now willing to consider leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
