Watch: Fabrizio Romano on ‘most crazy saga ever’ Raphinha twist
Fabrizio Romano has updated us on Barcelona’s last-ditch attempt to hijack Chelsea’s deal to sign Leeds United star Raphinha.
The Italian social media sensation opened his latest YouTube update by describing the Raphinha story as “one of the most crazy sagas ever” before giving the lowdown on his likeliest destination.
It’s looked likely that Brazil international Raphinha will leave Elland Road this summer, having played a pivotal role in keeping Leeds in the Premier League last term.
The 25-year-old has had significant interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Arsenal had a bid rejected by Leeds last week, while now Chelsea are said to be the front-runners after agreeing on a £65million deal with Leeds yesterday. But this is not yet a done deal, as Raphinha still has to agree personal terms with Thomas Tuchel’s Blues.
It’s also said that Barcelona remains Raphinha’s preferred destination, which means there could be a late twist in a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
The Catalan club were said to be actively looking to gazump Chelsea yesterday, but the club’s well-publicised financial issues make it difficult to imagine them meeting Leeds’ asking price, as Chelsea have.
Another interesting element in this transfer saga is the player is represented by Deco, the ex-Portugal international that used to represent both Chelsea and Barcelona.
“Chelsea and Leeds reached an agreement, a full agreement between the two club presidents Todd Boehly and Andrea Radrizzani,” Romano explained.
“It’s an agreement for £60-65million. But not yet an agreement with the player. Chelsea will need to negotiate an agreement with Raphinha and his agent, Deco.”
“Deco was in Barcelona on Wednesday morning to meet with Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona,” he continued.
“He has a special relationship with Laporta, and so, Barcelona have an agreement with Raphinha on personal terms since the end of February.”
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