Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea rocked by Raphinha decision as Leeds star tells Deco to stop discussing move with Blues officials

Raphinha, Leeds United winger, during Premier League clash against Everton

Raphinha has reportedly told his agent, Deco, to stop discussing a move to Chelsea – as the 25-year-old holds out for a Barcelona switch.

Barcelona have long been the frontrunners to sign Raphinha from Leeds. But recently, Chelsea and Arsenal have made big pushes to keep him in the Premier League.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have an agreement in place with Leeds for Raphinha. Should the Blues manage to sort out personal terms, then the winger will move to Stamford Bridge in a £60million deal.

Barca aren’t out yet though. In the last 24 hours, they sent a new proposal to Leeds. Romano states the Spanish club will ‘try until the end’ to secure Raphinha’s signature.

Right now, Leeds’ priority is to sell to Chelsea. It could be that they don’t trust Barca’s ability to pay £60m outright, given their financial troubles. Frenkie de Jong’s sale will boost Barca’s funds, but this exit is yet to go through.

The Daily Mirror provide an update on Raphinha’s situation, while citing Spanish newspaper Sport.

They claim Raphinha will reject Chelsea’s advances, despite them sorting out a fee with Leeds. The Brazil international, capped nine times so far, is eager to link up with Barca instead.

Raphinha has told Deco to stop negotiating personal terms with Chelsea – putting his move to Stamford Bridge in serious doubt.

Raphinha shows desire for Barca move

It is a risky strategy for Raphinha to take. If Chelsea pull out of the signing because of his stance, and Barca cannot afford to sign him, then Raphinha will be left short on options.

Arsenal are still in the mix, although they cannot offer the wide man Champions League football, which is one of his main desires.

The next few days will be pivotal in deciding Raphinha’s future. The transfer saga has been going on for months now, but talks over his next club are ramping up.

Raphinha to Chelsea not done deal just yet

Raphinha to Chelsea not done deal just yet

Chelsea risk losing out on latest transfer target Raphinha as Barcelona hope to make late proposal

Leeds were originally reluctant to sell, although they are now open to exits for both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. The latter is on the verge of joining Manchester City for £45m.

This will give Jesse Marsch plenty of funds to improve his squad. Plus, the Whites have already brought in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk understands Chelsea are plotting a move for an impressive Wimbledon forward.