Despite Barcelona’s financial troubles, the La Liga giants are still trying to frustrate Chelsea in the race to sign Raphinha.
Chelsea had gate-crashed Arsenal’s bid to sign Raphinha from Leeds United after agreeing a £60million deal for the Brazilian.
With Chelsea looking like favourites to sign the Brazilian, the deal took a new twist, after Raphinha’s agent Deco was spotted at Barcelona’s office.
Raphinha had agreed personal terms with Barcelona in March and was keen on moving to the La Liga, before Barca’s financial troubles got worse off.
With Barcelona getting some funds from TV rights, Barcelona are now leading the race for the Brazilian.
Spanish reporter Gerard Romero had claimed that Barcelona were still in the race to sign Raphinha from Leeds United, despite Chelsea’s offer being accepted by Leed, while Fabrizio Romano had revealed that Barca will fight until the end.
According to Fabrizio, Chelsea have had a bid of £60m accepted, Barcelona can only offer €50m, with €10m as add-ons.
Surprisingly, the Brazilian is more keen on moving to Barcelona than Chelsea.
Romano tweeted: “Raphinha, hoping for Barcelona move with 5 year deal ready since March – no final answer sent to Chelsea yet, waiting for Barça. #FCB
“Barcelona bid last Thursday: €50m plus €10m add-ons, paid in installments.
“Leeds insist they only accepted Chelsea bid for £60m, as of now.”
Chelsea’s move for Raphinha seems to have crashed because of Barcelona’s renewed interest in Raphinha, and Chelsea fans aren’t happy.
See some comments from Chelsea fans below
