Barcelona lead Chelsea in Raphinha transfer race

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 Mar 2022 11:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona are set to take advantage of Chelsea’s transfer limbo by making a move for Leeds star Raphinha.

FootballTransfers reported in February that Chelsea led Barca in the race for the Brazil winger, yet the situation has shifted dramatically at Stamford Bridge.

With Roman Abramovich’s assets having been frozen because of the invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea have been put up for sale while they have been forced to put any transfer plans on hold. The Premier League side cannot offer players new contracts, let alone consider signing anyone from elsewhere.

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Although this situation could change if and when Chelsea are sold, Barcelona are set to get a head start in the meantime by opening enquiries for Raphinha with Leeds.

Interest also comes from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but neither club is as advanced in the deal as the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Sport reports that the club have even launched a first bid of €35 million for the winger, who Barcelona see as a potential replacement for Ousmane Dembele.

This follows in line with Barca seeking to get as much of their summer transfer work done as early as possible. Franck Kessie already appears to be on his way to the club via a pre-contract agreement, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are liable to follow.

Raphinha rejects Leeds contract offer

Raphinha, from his side, is also pushing to leave. UOL reports that he has turned down a new contract offer from Leeds because the Premier League side have been unwilling to drop his release clause.

That is a stipulation that the player is presently standing firm on, despite Leeds offering him a contract that is reportedly worth double what he is presently paid.

Raphinha presently has a contract that runs until the summer of 2024, but it looks unlikely that he will still be at Leeds for the duration as Barcelona push for a deal.