Raphinha is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Monday as he looks to ‘finalise’ his dream move to the Catalan club. That's according to the latest reports coming out of Spain.
The Brazilian was left out of Jesse Marsch’s 26-man squad for Leeds’ pre-season tour of Australia amid reports that he had asked to remain in Europe to accelerate any deal.
The 25-year-old has been the subject of interest from Barca and Chelsea - the latter of which had a £60million bid accepted nearly two weeks ago - and looks almost certain to leave Elland Road this summer. The Blaugrana’s well-documented financial problems have stalled negotiations however, and they are seemingly unable or unwilling to match the Blues bid.
Reports in recent days suggest that the £60million has been matched, although the Spanish giants don’t want to pay anything until next year and then want to split the fee into instalments. All parties are now becoming impatient regarding Barcelona’s situation, with the player and his agent Deco expected to arrive in Catalonia to help thrash out a deal, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer news LIVE: Whites reveal squad for Australia with no sign of Raphinha
Barcelona made an improved verbal offer this weekend, but it remains some way short of Chelsea’s £60million, and Deco has reportedly given Barca president Juan Laporta a deadline of the ‘beginning of next week’ to satisfy Leeds’ demands. They have both kept the door ajar for Chelsea, who will act swiftly to agree personal terms if they are given the chance.
Leeds are wanting a deal to be finalised sooner rather than later and have already brought in a successor in the form of £21million Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra. Victor Orta is still in the market for a striker and will want the money from Raphinha’s sale to be made available for reinvestment.
The Whites are said to be ready to smash their transfer record with a £32million bid for Club Brugge star Charles De Ketelaere, although AC Milan are the 21-year-old’s preferred destination. Orta and Leeds know that the faster they can get the Raphinha money in, the quicker they can act on De Ketelaere and the better chance they have of pipping Milan to their main target.
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