Chelsea have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Raphinha this summer, with Leeds United set to snub Barcelona. The 25-year-old winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road this summer, and while Thomas Tuchel's side are said to have reached an agreement with Leeds United, the Spanish giants remain somewhat in contention.
According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, the Catalonians are no closer to reaching a full agreement with Jesse Marsch's side for the Brazil international; unlike the west Londoners, who are said to have been given the green light by Leeds after agreeing on a fee in the region of £65million.
With Barcelona yet to table a feasible offer and Chelsea in pole position, the Yorkshire-based side have given the Spaniards until Thursday to present an improved offer. Leeds have already replaced Raphinha with Luis Sinisterra and are keen to resolve the Brazilian's future imminently.
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But, with Xavi's side unwilling to surrender the transfer pursuit, Goal claim that representatives of both Raphinha and Barcelona are elongating negotiations until the club is armed with the finances to rival Chelsea's bid. The Spanish giants' well-documented financial troubles are preventing the club from tabling competitive offers, though it hasn't stopped president Joan Laporta from engaging in talks.
In the meantime, Chelsea are said to be pressing Leeds for an ultimatum, aware of Barcelona's dark summer transfer window arts. Raphinha has been reluctant to discuss his future at Elland Road, claiming it is all up to his agent Deco and his parent club. While on international duty with Brazil, he said: "I have a contract with Leeds until 2024. My future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds.
"I have my mind set on the national team, on the game and also on my vacations. I have a contract with Leeds, and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me."
Raphinha, who has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted wingers lately, featured 35 times for Leeds in the Premier League last season, directly contributing to 14 goals. His impressive displays steered Leeds clear of relegation from the top-flight, securing the club at least an additional £35million windfall this summer.
According to Romano, had Marsch's side been relegated, then a £25million release clause in the Brazilian's contract would have been activated. But, with Leeds evading the drop, they're now said to be demanding a fee closer to £60-65million fee, of which Chelsea are believed to have met.
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