Transfer news: Barcelona are in advanced talks to sign Chelsea target Raphinha
According to popular Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Barcelona are in advanced talks with Chelsea target Raphinha ahead of a possible transfer in the summer but Leeds United are holding out for big money for their star man.
Raphinha joined Leeds United from Stade Rennais back in 2020 and has since then gone on to establish himself as one of the best wide men in the Premier League. Under Marcelo Bielsa, the Brazilian has developed into a truly talented player and he could now be ready for his next big move.
This season has been absolutely no different for Raphinha despite playing in a struggling Leeds team. The 25-year-old winger has played 36 games for the Whites this season scoring 11 goals and providing three assists across all competitions.
Chelsea are interested in signing the 25-year-old but they have always been behind in the race for the Brazilian. However, despite the player being in advanced talks to sign the player, Leeds United are not making it any easier for Barcelona with the Yorkshire club demanding at least €55m for the player.
At what price?
With the exorbitant fee that Leeds are demanding for their star man, if Barcelona drop out of the race to sign the Brazilian, then Chelsea could be offered a window of opportunity.
Anyone who has seen Raphinha play knows the talent the man possesses and it will come as absolutely no surprise if he becomes an even better player whilst playing for a better team than Leeds. Signing him would definitely benefit the Blues in the immediate present.
However, we already have a plethora of options to lead our attack into next season and it is not a position where we need reinforcements. The same cannot be said about our defence though, a place where we undoubtedly need to sign players to stay competitive next season.
Unless one of our star wingers like Christian Pulisic or Hakim Ziyech were to leave the club this summer for a substantial price, we must not be focusing on Raphinha. Spending €55m for a player who plays in a position where we already have options especially when our priority lies elsewhere does not make sense.
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Yes, Raphinha is a great player but only at the right price. At the fee that Leeds United are demanding for him, it does not make sense for us to pursue this deal.