Chelsea and Arsenal have already approached Leeds United for Raphinha, but he is keen on joining Barcelona.
The La Liga side’s president, Joan Laporta, has confirmed his side have held talks with the Whites for the winger.
“We have talked about Raphinha with Leeds, we know that the player would also like to come to Barça, but there are also other clubs that want him. It would not be dependent on Dembélé, because the coach sees them as compatible,” Laporta said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Ousmane Dembélé is without a club after his deal at the Camp Nou expired on Friday. He is likely to continue at the Catalan club if Sunday’s edition of Sport is to be believed. This would not have an impact on the Blaugrana trying to sign Raphinha.
Xavi Hernández wants to bring in a new attacker even if Dembélé signs an extension, and the Leeds star is the chosen one to strengthen the wide position. For weeks, Barca and the Brazil international have had an agreement for personal terms.
Chelsea’s offer is around €70-75m and therefore, it is ‘logical’ Leeds demand this figure from the Camp Nou side. However, Sport state Barcelona’s ‘cap’ is around €55m and this fee is to be paid in several instalments.
Apart from Laporta’s confirmation, the report says ‘there are more reasons’ for Raphinha wanting the Barcelona move.
He is of the belief that joining the European giants would give Seleção manager Tite more reasons to start him for Brazil at the Qatar World Cup.
