Chelsea are believed to be leading the race to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, but face a battle with Barcelona for his signature.
That’s according to Football Transfers reporter Gianluigi Longari, who claim that Raphinha is already a wanted man many months ahead of the transfer window.
It’s claimed that Chelsea have already held talks with Raphinha’s representatives ahead of a potential deal at the end of the season.
Raphinha is allegedly open to joining Chelsea, and Marina Granovskaia is now keen to make sure the Brazilian arrives at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona are keen too, but Chelsea seem to be the favourites as things stand.
What’s interesting is that the report claims Raphinha has not one but two release clauses in his Leeds contract.
The first is a clause set at around €75million (£62.5million), which any team can pay to get Raphinha out of Elland Road.
The second is that, if Leeds suffer relegation to the Championship, Raphinha can leave for just €25million (£21million).
Leeds are mired in the relegation battle after losing 4-2 to Manchester United on Sunday, with wins for Watford and Burnley dragging Leeds right into trouble.
Boss Marcelo Bielsa made a curious decision before the game, leaving star man Raphinha out of the starting XI for such a big game.
Raphinha hasn’t been at his best lately and was substituted at half time against Everton last weekend, but leaving him out was a gamble.
Leeds were 2-0 down at half time so on came Raphinha, and he quickly found the net to draw Leeds level at 2-2.
That showed the quality Raphinha possesses, even if he has hit something of a dip in form in recent games.
Chelsea seemingly believe Raphinha can be a star at Stamford Bridge, but just how much Leeds manage to bring in for the Brazilian may well depend on their Premier League status.
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