Barcelona achieve breakthrough in Raphinha pursuit as Leeds accept initial £49 million offer to end Chelsea transfer interest

Leeds have accepted Barcelona’s offer of £49 million for Raphinha, talkSPORT understands.

The Spanish giants have made the breakthrough in their pursuit of the Brazilian, who was also linked with Arsenal and Chelsea this summer, in a deal that could rise as high as £58m.

All parties are now waiting on Barcelona being able to register new players before a deal progresses.

The Leeds star has certainly been a wanted man this summer, with Chelsea also being keen on the player.

It was suggested that Thomas Tuchel’s side were leading the chase to secure his signature, however a move to the Nou Camp now looks to be the most likely destination for the Brazilian star.

It was felt the Premier League side held the advantage due to Barca’s dire financial situation, however, the latter appears to have rustled up the necessary funds to sign Raphinha.

However, Danny Mills has told his former club to make sure they get every last penny of that fee.

“Leeds just need to see the cash now,” Mills said on Kick Off.

“It’s bizarre, isn’t it? Barcelona are skint, they can’t register players but they’re still buying players for ridiculous amounts of money.

“This move could fall through, you need to see the color of money… it seems like monopoly money Barcelona are using.”

The 25-year-old moved to Elland Road in 2020 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.

After scoring six goals and providing nine assists in his first campaign with the club, he found the net 11 times last term as he played a key role in helping the Whites avoid relegation from the top flight.

With a move to Barcelona looming, South American football expert Tim Vickery believes a move to the Nou Camp is a difficult proposition to turn down for any player from Brazil.

Speaking on White and Jordan, Vickery said: “If you’re a Brazilian, and Barcelona come knocking, it’s so hard to say no.

“In Raphinha’s shoes, if it’s not Barcelona, ​​they might be a temptation just to stay put because of the World Cup.

“But it was clear to me that Leeds wouldn’t stand in his way if he gets a suitable offer.”