Leeds United have reportedly knocked back the latest bid from Barcelona for Brazilian international Raphinha, a summer target for Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano has written in his daily transfer briefing on Caught Offside that Barcelona’s latest offer for Raphinha has not done the trick to land them the Brazilian international in the summer transfer window. The Leeds United attacker is also the subject of interest from Chelsea over a possible move ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Raphinha is possibly the only player involved in an outstretched transfer saga this summer who will leave his current club with both parties parting ways amicably. The Brazilian international has Leeds United’s blessings to seek a summer departure away from Elland Road after guiding them to safety in the Premier League in the 2021/22 season.
The 25-year-old racked up 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances. But the Whites have signed Luis Sinisterra as a long-term replacement for Raphinha, who will not join his teammates for the pre-season camp as he looks to complete a summer move away from the West Yorkshire club. Barcelona and Chelsea are vying for his signature.
Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona matched Chelsea’s offer for Raphinha, albeit by forking out a lower base fee and higher add-ons. In addition, the Blaugrana will cough up the sum in more instalments than Chelsea. But according to Fabrizio Romano’s recent updates, the Catalan giants are yet to propose a similar bid as the Blues.
There have also been suggestions from other reporters that Barcelona might be closing in on signing Raphinha. But others have painted a completely different picture, providing Chelsea fans with more optimism in the race to sign the Brazilian international, with the Blues billed as the front-runners to land him.
Both Barcelona and Chelsea need a player like Raphinha after their struggles in the final third. The 25-year-old will add a layer to their respective gameplays with his directness. And his set-piece prowess will further make him an appealing target. But as per Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United recently knocked back the improved offer from Barcelona.
Also Read: Three cost-effective Raphinha alternatives for Barcelona to consider
It will be interesting to see if there is any truth to these claims as the Catalan giants continue to pursue the signature of the Brazilian attacker in the summer transfer window. For now, Raphinha’s future hangs in the balance after Leeds United accepted Chelsea’s offer, with the player determined to join Barcelona.
