Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea are close to agreeing a £55 million deal with Leeds United over the transfer of Arsenal and Barcelona target Raphinha, according to The Athletic.
The Athletic have reported Chelsea have verbally indicated to Leeds that they are ready to pay £55 million for the winger, who will now make a decision amid interest in him from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and La Liga giants Barcelona.
Barcelona are not financially in a position to make a deal happen, while Arsenal’s offer for Raphinha is not at the level of Chelsea, according to the report.
The Guardian are reporting that Chelsea will now have to convince the Leeds winger to choose them over Arsenal and Barcelona.

Arsenal target Raphinha to move to Chelsea?
In our view, it is now looking likely that Raphinha will move to Chelsea from Leeds United, not to Arsenal.
If Chelsea are ready to pay what Leeds want for the winger, then it is highly unlikely that the winger will say no to the Blues.
Chelsea are a big club and a global brand who regularly win titles and compete for major honours.
Now, of course, Arsenal and Barcelona are massive clubs as well, but moving to Chelsea over the Gunners or the Blaugrana would not be a bad idea at all.
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