La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are edging closer to securing the services of Raphinha after their latest bid, beating Chelsea to his signature.
According to reputed Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Barcelona might end up securing the services of their priority attacking target at last. The Catalan giants are inching closer to securing the services of the Leeds United forward following their latest bid, which reportedly matched Chelsea’s offer.
Raphinha has become one of the most highly sought-after attackers in Europe on the back of two brilliant campaigns with Leeds United. The Brazilian international grew in stature significantly in his debut season at Elland Road before becoming a talismanic figure for the Whites in the recently-concluded term.
The 25-year-old racked up 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances. But that has meant that Leeds will lose Raphinha in the summer transfer window, with the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Barcelona had stemmed from the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Ousmane Dembele. While the French international has still not signed a new contract at Camp Nou, he is reportedly on the verge of committing the next two years to the Blaugrana.
But Raphinha remains a priority attacking target for Barcelona, even though Dembele will sign a new contract soon. The Catalan giants are ready to offload Memphis Depay if Raphinha arrives at Camp Nou in the summer transfer window. But their financial situation meant they delayed submitting an offer to Leeds, who had to issue an ultimatum to get Barcelona to act fast.
With the Whites already accepting Chelsea’s offer for Raphinha, Barcelona had to launch the offensive quickly. And the Blaugrana reportedly matched the west London club’s offer a few days ago to get back into the race to sign the 25-year-old. According to Gianluigi Longard, Raphinha is now inching closer to joining Barcelona this summer.
Also Read: Three cost-effective Raphinha alternatives for Barcelona to consider
The Whites have excused the Brazilian international from their pre-season campaign to help him sort out his future quickly. And while Chelsea seemed to be the favourite to sign Raphinha, Barcelona will likely win the race to secure his services following their latest bid.
