Report: Player could 'give up' on Barcelona dream and resume talks with Chelsea in next few days
Leeds United winger Raphinha could give up on his dream of playing for Barcelona and resume negotiations with Chelsea amid uncertainty over his future, according to Goal.
For the 25-year-old, joining another club is likely the only option this summer following Leeds’ signing of Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord as his replacement.
Goal claims that Leeds have already made it clear that they cannot wait any longer and want to conclude Raphinha’s transfer saga very soon.
Barcelona remain Raphinha’s preferred summer destination but as it stands but clubs have yet to agree a deal.
The report suggests that Barcelona have already matched the £60million that Chelsea had offered, but the latter’s proposal is more attractive to Leeds due to the different payment structures between the two bids.
Firstly, Chelsea had offered a higher base fee, while Barcelona’s proposal involves more achievable add-ons. The Catalan club also plan to pay the fees for a longer period compared to Chelsea.
Barcelona and Leeds are still in negotiations over the details, but the Spanish club is working against the clock to get the deal done.
Goal adds that even Raphinha himself, along with representatives, could be prepared to abandon his dream to play for Camp Nou and restart talks with Chelsea if Barcelona and Leeds fail to reach an agreement by the start of next week.
The Brazil international, who still has two years left in his contract at Elland Road, registered 13 goals and three assists in the Premier League last season.
Raphinha is not the only winger being linked with a move to Chelsea, however, as the London club is also reportedly on the verge of securing a deal with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling.
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