La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly matched Chelsea’s offer for 25-year-old Leeds United forward Raphinha this summer.
According to Ben Jacobs, Barcelona and Chelsea have now tabled the same offer to Leeds United for Raphinha. But the Catalan giants have offered a lower base fee, with the total package being the same as the one proposed by the Premier League heavyweights. The 25-year-old forward wants to move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window but is open to joining Chelsea.
Raphinha has the world at his feet on the back of a career-defining campaign with Leeds United. The Brazilian international was instrumental in helping the Whites stave off relegation as the other pivotal players in the squad struggled for form and fitness in the 2021/22 season.
The 25-year-old had a tally of 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances. But Raphinha’s time at Leeds United appears to be up, with the West Yorkshire club ready to let him depart from Elland Road in the summer transfer window. Barcelona and Chelsea are prepared to offer him a new adventure heading into the 2022/23 season.
Barcelona’s interest primarily stemmed from the uncertainties surrounding the future of Ousmane Dembele, who has become a free agent after the expiration of his contract at the turn of the month. And while Dembele now looks set to sign a new contract with Barcelona, Memphis Depay might create a vacancy for Raphinha.
But recent reports had claimed that Leeds United had issued an ultimatum to Barcelona following the delay from the Blaugrana to table a bid. And the Catalan giants have matched Chelsea’s offer for the 25-year-old Brazilian forward, although the base fee is lower than the one offered by the Premier League giants.
Chelsea will soon secure the services of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, but with Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, and Timo Werner facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, signing only one attacker will not be enough for Chelsea. The Blues have thus ramped up their efforts to sign Raphinha, with recent reports labelling them the favourites for his signature.
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According to Ben Jacobs, Barcelona and Leeds United are in advanced talks after the presentation of the latest offer. Things will take a decisive turn in the coming days, and if the Catalan giants delay in reaching an agreement, Raphinha will be Chelsea-bound. The Whites want to offload the 25-year-old quickly after signing Luis Sinisterra as his replacement, with the player also keen on clearing his future imminently.