It’s the transfer window that just keeps giving!
Chelsea are now reportedly close to agreeing a £55million deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, snatching the highly-rated winger from under the noses of London rivals Arsenal.
It is reported that the Blues have verbally indicated to the Whites that they would be happy to meet their valuation of the Brazilian.
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While The Athletic are reporting £55million, Fabrizio Romano has stated that the bid is around £60m to £65m including add-ons, adding that there is “full agreement” between the clubs over the deal with the next step being personal terms talks. New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is believed to be pushing hard to wrap up the deal and get his first marquee signing over the line.
The news will come as a blow to the Gunners who were leading the race to sign the 25-year-old but are believed to have had a bid turned down earlier today. Barcelona were also said to have been interested but had no chance of matching the Blues’ bid.
It’s been a busy summer at Stamford Bridge, with a new owner entering the fray and departures, both on the pitch and in the backroom, aplenty. It could still get busier still, with Manchester City's Raheem Sterling expected to join Thomas Tuchel’s men in the coming days. The German is also still monitoring Ousmane Dembélé, who could leave Barcelona on a free.
Raphinha played 35 Premier League games for a struggling Leeds last season, scoring 11 and assisting three. He moved to Elland Road in 2020, joining from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.
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