The agent of Arsenal and Chelsea target Raphinha has been spotted meeting with Barcelona despite the Blues having seemingly reached an agreement over a transfer.
Both the Gunners and Blues have been linked with a swoop for the Brazilian winger this summer, with both Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel keen to bolster their respective wide options ahead of the new campaign.
It was initially suggested that Chelsea had stolen a march on their Premier League rivals with claims they had agreed a £55m move for his services on Tuesday. Of course, Barcelona have long-standing interest in the former Rennes playmaker but the dire financial situation at the Camp Nou always made a switch to Spain look unlikely.
However, the La Liga giants appear to have made one last effort to sign Raphinha with a meeting with his representatives. His agent, Deco, was filmed by COPE leaving the club’s offices alongside Mateu Alemany and Enric Masip, advisor to Barca president Joan Laporta.
It of course remains to be seen whether the Catalans’ attempts will be enough to tempt Raphinha into rejecting a switch to Stamford Bridge however judging by reports in Spain, it appears that the prospect of a move to the Camp Nou is not quite off the cards yet. Deco is reported to be in conversations with the Spanish club, with Raphinha having prioritised a move to Barcelona.
That news would of course be a huge blow to Chelsea who were hoping to conclude a deal for the Brazilian - although they do appear to have other targets in mind. Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has been strongly linked with a switch, whilst Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele has still not committed his future to the club with his contract set to expire in a matter of days.
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The Frenchman enjoyed a bright ending to the 2021/22 campaign and Xavi has made it clear that he would like to retain the former Borussia Dortmund star’s services beyond this season but an agreement is yet to be found.
Arsenal will also be left frustrated having twice lodged offers to Leeds for Raphinha but the Yorkshire club has so far refused to sell to the Gunners. However, they are close to signing his compatriot Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, whilst they have also completed deals for Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira.
London rivals Chelsea are yet to secure an incoming transfer despite Todd Boehly’s takeover having been rubber-stamped for some time. Record signing Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of exiting Stamford Bridge though having flown to Italy to complete a loan move to former club Inter Milan.
