Barcelona set to beat Chelsea to Raphinha's signature in
Barcelona has always been the Brazilian’s preferred destination
Barcelona appears to have successfully highjacked the race to sign Chelsea target Raphinha.
The Spanish giants are set to land the Leeds United playmaker in a deal worth an overall figure of £63m.
Barcelona has always been the Brazilian’s preferred destination but until recently Chelsea were the only side to meet Leeds’s valuation of £55m, plus £8m add-ons.
It is likely the player will now seal his dream switch and play for Xavi's Barcelona side
However, a late move from the Nou Camp outfit means it is now likely that the player will seal his dream switch.
The news will come as a blow to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who is close to finalising a deal with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling.
The England man was in London for a medical and is set to join Chelsea in Los Angeles, where they are on a pre-season tour.
Financial difficulties – including a reported debt of £508m – have hampered Barcelona’s pursuit of Raphinha.
And with Leeds seeking cash up front, a move to Catalonia had seemed in the balance. But the selling of television rights has improved matters.
