Raphinha: Favourites to secure Leeds coup named, as Barcelona misstep aids Chelsea and offers Arsenal late opening

The favourites in the race to sign Raphinha have been named by a report that also insists a decision on the Leeds United ace will be made in the next 24 hours.

The Brazilian winger, 25, is one of the hottest properties the 2022 summer window has to offer. Raphinha has been everything Leeds fans could’ve hoped for and more in his two years at Elland Road. However, his sparkling displays have unsurprisingly attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Barcelona are known to be Raphinha’s preferred choice if he does leave Leeds. Regarding interest from within the Premier League, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked.

Spurs’ interest has likely subsidesd upon signing Richarlison. The Gunners had bids rejected by Leeds after failing to come close to their £65m valuation.

That left the door ajar for Chelsea who Fabrizio Romano claimed had a deal worth an initial £60m accepted. Add-ons would’ve taken the move towards Leeds’ desired price tag.

Yet one week on from that development, Raphinha remains on Leeds’ books. Agent Deco is attempting to engineer a move to Barcelona, much to the player’s delight. However, the Spanish side’s inability to fund the move is proving problematic.

Leeds have reportedly instructed Raphinha to report for pre-season training by July 12 if a move hasn’t been finalised by that time. However, according to the Evening Standard, a resolution could come much sooner than that.

Raphinha decision time stated; favourites named

They state a decision on Raphinha’s future ‘is expected within 24 hours’. Their report was published late on Thursday afternoon.

Regarding where Raphinha will end up, it’s claimed Chelsea are the clear favourites having already had a bid accepted. What’s more, Leeds reportedly intend to honour the deal they’ve already struck with the Blues.

It’s acknowledged Barcelona’s inability to lodge a ‘suitable offer’ has left them floundering. Unless one comes in the next 24 hours, their chase could be over.

Arsenal ‘have not given up hope’ of crashing Chelsea’s party, though Thomas Tuchel’s side are again deemed the frontrunners.

Transfer logjam holding up multiple clubs

Barcelona are currently unable to finance a Raphinha deal. However, that could change if they finally sell Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United.

The latest report put Chelsea firmly in the mix to hijack the move, though while he remains at the Camp Nou, Raphinha gets no closer to joining Barcelona.

That also leaves Chelsea in the lurch regarding their search for a new right winger. It’s unlikely they’ll sanction Hakim Ziyech’s loan move to AC Milan until an upgrade arrives first too.

Raphinha to Chelsea not done deal just yet

Chelsea risk losing out on latest transfer target Raphinha as Barcelona hope to make late proposal

The only club who appear to have wriggled free from the blockage is Leeds.

Jesse Marsch’s side recently confirmed the twin arrivals of Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra over the past 24 hours.

The latter could be viewed as the successor to Raphinha in the forward line and has already been compared to Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.