RAPHINHA is set to become a Barcelona player in the coming days, according to multiple reports.
The Leeds United ace has been in demand this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal both keen, but Barca have won the race to his signature.
The Blues agreed a deal worth around £55million with Leeds, only for the Brazilian to dig his heels in and hold out for a move to Barca.
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona have tabled a late, improved bid for Raphinha.
They claim that Barca have now agreed to pay £55m plus a further £8m in add-ons – having found the extra money by selling TV rights.
The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his Leeds contract, although Jesse Marsch’s side have long expected him to leave.
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Raphinha wasn’t included in the travelling party for their tour of Australia, while Leeds signed Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra to replace him this week.
His agent, former Barca star Deco, has been fighting to make his childhood dream move to Catalonia a reality.
According to Spanish paper Sport, he will accept less money at Barca than he could have earned at Chelsea.
Barcelona are also set to seal a two-year contract extension with Ousmane Dembele, with the Frenchman having also been linked with Chelsea.
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Despite missing out on Raphinha and Dembele, Chelsea will manage to bolster their attack by sealing a £47.5m deal for Raheem Sterling.
The England winger underwent his Blues medical tonight, and is set to sign for Thomas Tuchel’s side before jetting out to the US to join them on their pre-season tour.
Sterling, 27, made 337 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 131 goals and winning four Premier League titles.
Chelsea are also in talks with City for defender Nathan Ake.
The Dutchman is reportedly open to a Stamford Bridge return, but the Prem champions could charge £45m.
