Report: Chelsea suddenly cool interest in signing 25-year-old, he still doesn’t want to join them

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Reports suggest Chelsea are beginning to lose interest in signing Raphinha from Leeds United this summer.

According to Miguel Delaney’s newsletter for The Independent, the Brazilian’s desire to join Barcelona has seen them tame down their interest, with other targets still available in the market.

Last week, the Blues had agreed a fee with the Whites for the transfer of the 25-year-old, with him expected to have become Todd Boehly’s first major signing as Chelsea owner.

However, it has become obvious the player’s desire is to feature for Barcelona, with him and his agent, Deco, holding out for interest from the Catalan club.

With wingers such as Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele still available, Delaney claims the club have cooled their interest in Raphinha, coinciding with things going quiet from the Nou Camp.

The report goes on to say that there has been no concrete contact between Chelsea and the Brazilian, with the move to Stamford Bridge looking less likely by the day.

Raphinha is claimed to still ‘only want Barcelona’, which obviously leaves Chelsea in a difficult position, and it seems that the club have now decided to look into other targets.

Chelsea cool interest in Raphinha

The saga could still end up with the Brazilian staying at Leeds, with their pre-season tour to Australia due to commence this weekend.

For this reason, Jesse March’s side have been keen for an answer imminently, with the decision potentially being made in the next few hours.

While Raphinha’s ideal destination is obvious, the Blues would do well to stay in the hunt for the exciting winger.

Despite a hefty financial injection a week ago, the Catalan side are still yet to announce a signing which hasn’t been on a free. This is despite noted interest in fellow Chelsea targets Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde.

Delaney also claimed that European clubs are surprised at Barcelona’s interest in as many big names as they are, so it may be wise to wait in the wings to see if their ability to complete the deal matches their ambition.