Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Liverpool target Raphinha from Leeds United with the club close to agreeing a £65 million deal for the 25-year-old.
The Brazil international has been linked with a move to the Reds for the last few seasons after two impressive Premier League campaigns.
Now according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea are willing to pay Leeds more than the £55 million they have been asking clubs for and a deal will be agreed in the coming days.
The report claims Raphinha would prefer a move to Chelsea over other Premier League rivals chasing his signature after new owner Todd Boehly convinced the forward of his new project.
🚨 EXCL: Chelsea close to agreeing fee north of £55m with Leeds for Raphinha but not done yet. #CFC now best placed with #LUFC & 25yo as long-term favourites Barcelona can’t afford it at present + Arsenal not currently at required price @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/cPEmDq4d8N
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 28, 2022
Raphinha has been a sensation in the Premier League since making the switch from Stade Rennais to Leeds United in 2020, scoring 17 goals in 65 games.
The 25-year-old helped Leeds to Premier League survival on the last day of the season but will now try to make his mark at the top end of the league.
It’s a shame Liverpool have missed out on a top talent like Raphinha, especially after seeing his first-class performances with the Brazilian national team.