Raphinha to Chelsea Almost Imminent as Talks go on With Leeds

Raphinha: Chelsea in talks with Leeds over Arsenal and Barcelona target

Arsenal are also keen on Brazil forward Raphinha; the Gunners’ opening bid did not meet Leeds’ valuation of the player, who has two years left on his contract and is not expected to sign a new deal at Elland Road.

Chelsea are in talks with Leeds over a deal for Raphinha, with the Blues prepared to pay in excess of £50m to get the deal done.

Chelsea’s bid has at this point trumped Arsenal, who had an opening bid rejected but are expected to go back in with an improved offer. Chelsea are also in for Raheem Sterling with Manchester City expecting to field a bid for the England international after Thomas Tuchel engaged Sterling over how he would fit in at Stamford Bridge.

Barcelona are also understood to want to sign Raphinha, whose agent is the former Barca player Deco.

Raphinha has been Leeds’ outstanding attacking player since joining two seasons ago, scoring 17 Premier League goals.