Transfer News: Chelsea ahead of Barcelona in the race for Leeds United winger Raphinha
According to Footballtransfers.com (h/t Leeds Live), Chelsea are ahead of Barcelona in the pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. The Brazilian has been tearing it up in the Premier League this season, having carried his side through a difficult injury crisis.
Leeds have expressed no interest in parting ways with the Brazilian star amidst interest from several clubs. Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the fray and could provide Chelsea with enough reasons to worry about. However, with a €75million release clause in his current deal, Raphinha could prove to be an expensive acquisition for the interested parties.
It is claimed that the Whites could be forced to accept a move if a transfer bid is made around the region of the release clause. That could sway them to do business ahead of next summer. The Blues have already contacted the 25-year-old’s representatives and it is stated that he is open to moving to Stamford Bridge.
Summer transfer?
We could be in the driving seat following this update in the race to secure the signature of the Premier League forward. After all, we are in discussions with his camp, and he could decide to join us in the future. We must not let up in the coming months and put the matter to bed by using this advantage to the fullest.
That being said, Chelsea could also secure the Leeds ace’s services at a cut-price deal on one condition. That is despite his contract running until 2024 and the player has no intentions of leaving at this instant. Since they are engaged in a relegation battle right now, we could sign him for a fee of €25million if they end up dropping down to the Championship.
That could be the reason why the Brazilian winger would be open to joining us even if he has no intention to leave under the current circumstance. But, we must be wary of all the other interested parties and not hand over any initiative we may have in the transfer race.
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Barcelona’s ability to finalise a move is based upon whether they can qualify for the Champions League next season or not. They have identified the Leeds attacker as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who is expected to Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side and the Gunners would also be a thorn in our side, so we must keep an eye on them as well. We could truly be facing one of the hardest battles in the summer transfer window. After all, the South American has continued to build on his excellent performances since teaming up with Marcelo Bielsa. It remains to be seen what lies in store for us and the player ahead of next season.
