Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that his side’s efforts to sign Raphinha will not be determined by the future of Ousmane Dembele. The Spanish club have made clear their intention to sign the Leeds United winger amid interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The Camp Nou is thought to be the Brazilian’s preferred destination and he has proven as such by reportedly delaying attempts from Chelsea to discuss personal terms. The Blues - backed by new owner Todd Boehly - had a £60million offer accepted by the Whites earlier in the week but are facing problems bringing their target to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea moved swiftly to make an offer for the 25-year-old following Ousmane Dembele's decision to sign a new contract at Barcelona and remain at the Catalan club - a move that was thought to end their pursuit of £60million Raphinha amid crippling financial problems, if it is true.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer news LIVE: Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha latest
But Blaugrana chief Laporta has insisted this is not the case, stating that he and his side will remain in the running for Leeds’ Brazilian winger whether Dembele signs a new deal or not.
“We have talked about Raphinha with Leeds, we know that the player would also like to come to Barça,” Laporta said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo . “But there are also other clubs that want him. It would not be dependent on Dembele, because the coach sees them as compatible,”
Dembele is technically a free agent as it stands, as his contract with Barcelona ended on Friday, July 1, but Sunday’s edition of Spanish Daily Sport suggests the 25-year-old will re-sign for the club. Nevertheless, Barca manager Xavi remains in the market for attacking reinforcements and has Raphinha as his priority target.
Barcelona’s financial constraints have been problematic from the start, with the Spanish giants hopeful of Leeds’ relegation and subsequent £25million release clause for their winger. But the securing of Premier League status for another season, coupled with Chelsea’s £60million bid, has put the Whites in a strong negotiating position.
The Catalan club sold 10% of their television rights earlier in the week in a deal that raised around £178million, while the potential sale of Frenkie De Jong could raise a further £60million. Yet Laporta remains hesitant to match Chelsea’s bid outright, despise his insistence that the Whites man is their key target.
He and Barcelona have been eyeing a multitude of other big-name signings including Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich and Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. Leeds are likely to lose one key player in the coming days, with Kalvin Phillips’ official announcement as a Manchester City player imminent.
Any Raphinha developments are likely to come within an incredibly busy week next week, with replacements for Phillips and Raphinha eyed, loan deals being finalised for fringe players Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton and a new long-term contract for Joe Gelhardt.
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