Barcelona still in Raphinha race despite recent serious bid from Chelsea

The battle for Leeds United’s star Brazilain winger Raphinha continues to rage on after reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona is still in the running for his services this summer.

Spanish transfer insider Gerard Romero discussed the situation via his personal Twitch channel earlier today, claiming that Barcelona is still very much in the running for Raphinha even in the wake of the agreement that already exists between Leeds and Chelsea.

🚨 JUST IN: Barcelona is very alive in the Raphinha race. The club has ‘high chances’ of signing the player, although Chelsea have an agreement with Leeds, due to the strength of Deco and the player. @gerardromero #Transfers 🇧🇷

— Reshad Rahman ✆ (@ReshadRahman_) June 29, 2022

Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have made good on their relationship with Raphinha’s agent – and former Chelsea player – Deco to potentially speed up negotiations with both camps as the Brazilian is dead set on leaving Elland Road this summer after serious interest from a cadre of clubs.

Barcelona boss Xavi remains intent to continue to add attacking quality to his side, however, with Raphinha being targeted alongside Polish star Robert Lewandowski as the Calatan giants hope to give La Liga holders Real Madrid a real run for their money in 2022-23.

The potential sale of Frenkie de Jong would go a long way in helping the club afford reinforcements despite Barça bringing in both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres last season.

Arsenal has also been linked with interest in Raphinha this summer, but it is unclear if the Gunners will return with an improved bid for the former Stade Rennais forward after Chelsea made clear their intentions to add him into the first-team fold.

For more on Barcelona, read below

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