Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with Leeds United to sign Arsenal and Barcelona target Raphinha in a deal worth around £60 million.
According to reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are on the verge of beating Arsenal and Barcelona in the race to sign Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds United this summer. The Blues have reached a full agreement with the Whites over a transfer fee of around £60-65 million (including add-ons) and are now working on agreeing personal terms with the player.
Raphinha had become one of the most in-demand wingers in the transfer market this summer after his exploits in the previous campaign helped Leeds United survive the threat of relegation from the Premier League. The 25-year-old finished the campaign with 11 goals and three assists in the league, capturing the interest of several top clubs across Europe.
Barcelona had shown the greatest interest in signing Raphinha, having been working on the deal since March. Personal terms with the player had already been agreed upon. But the La Liga heavyweights’ poor financial situation meant they were yet to finalise an agreement with Leeds United over a transfer fee.
It left the door open for other clubs to make their move. And Arsenal were the first to try and capitalise on the situation by launching a bid for Raphinha. Even though Leeds United rejected their first bid out of hand, the Gunners were planning on a new offer and were confident of landing the Brazilian.
Chelsea and Leeds have reached full agreement for Raphinha! Official bid accepted around £60/65m [add ons included]. Main part of amount to be paid immediately. It’s done between clubs. ?? #CFC
Talks now ongoing on player side on personal terms and contract. Boehly, on it. pic.twitter.com/gNbc4HbrTa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2022
However, Chelsea have come out of the blue and beaten both Arsenal and Barcelona to the punch. While the Blues held an interest in the 25-year-old, they seemed to be working on a deal for Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling. However, they have now decided to add Raphinha to their roster as well, and have reached an agreement with Leeds United for the winger.
As per Romano, Chelsea will be paying around £60-65 million for Raphinha (including add-ons). The Italian journalist has also claimed that after the Blues struck an agreement, Arsenal presented another verbal offer for the winger, which Leeds United rejected. Barcelona, too, tried to contact Leeds and submit a proposal, but they were nowhere near close to matching Chelsea’s bid.
Chelsea are now working with Raphinha’s agent and former Blues midfielder, Deco, to finalise an agreement on personal terms for the Brazilian before they can make the signing official. If signed, Raphinha would likely be a replacement for Hakim Ziyech, who is on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
