Former Chelsea midfielder Deco looks to set to play a major role in Todd Boehly completing the signing of Raphinha. The Leeds United winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road this season, and while Arsenal are said to have led in the transfer race up until now, the Blues have reportedly been given the green light to reach a full agreement.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Leeds on a £60-65million fee for the 25-year-old. The west Londoners are reportedly now best placed to acquire the Brazil international's signature, with Todd Boehly eager to wrap up a deal in a swift fashion to 'avoid problems'.
It's said that the Blues have already sent an official proposal to Raphinha and his agent Deco to discuss personal terms. CBS Sports claim that it's expected an agreement will be reached soon, with a five-year deal on the table.
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Raphinha, who has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted winger's lately, featured 35 times for Jesse Marsch's side in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards 14 goals. His impressive displays steered Leeds clear of relegation from the top-flight, securing the club at least an additional £35million windfall this summer.
According to Romano, had the Yorkshire-based club been relegated, then a £25million release clause in the Brazilian's contract would have been activated. But, with Leeds evading the drop, they're now said to be demanding around far more.
Arsenal and Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for Raphinha, but reports suggest that Chelsea blown the competition away. A key chess piece in Tuchel potentially landing his target could be Deco due to his obvious connections with the Blues from his time at the club.
The former Chelsea midfielder is also known for his close relationship with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who Boehly recently met with. It's said that Cristiano Ronaldo was the topic of conversation; however, with the American billionaire juggling a stand-in sporting director role, it wouldn't have been usual for Boehly to be simply building his contacts.
Raphinha has been reluctant to discuss his future at Elland Road, claiming it is all up to his agent Deco and the Yorkshire-based club. While on international duty with Brazil, he said: "I have a contract with Leeds until 2024. My future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds.
"I have my mind set on the national team, on the game and also on my vacations. I have a contract with Leeds, and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me."
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