Barcelona close to signing Raphinha

Barcelona are now very close to completing a deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds United, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The race for Raphinha’s signature has been going on since the start of the year, with Liverpool said to be interested until they signed Luis Diaz from FC Porto in January instead. Barcelona were also in the frame from the start, and the winger was said to be open to joining the La Liga giants.

Since then, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in the Brazil international, as have Chelsea who were believed at one point to be leading the race. Nonetheless, Barcelona are obviously determined not to let Raphinha slip through their fingers, and the latest bid they’ve submitted is a apparently worth €72 million straight up. Leeds are expected to say yes to that, and the player is confident that he will be playing at the Camp Nou from 2022/23.

Raphinha feels his move to Barcelona is “imminent”. Final verbal proposal: €72m guaranteed, with all details included. Leeds, expected to accept once it will be official bid. 🚨🇧🇷 #FCB

Raphinha has been pushing with Leeds in the last 48h: he wants Barça, his biggest dream. pic.twitter.com/7V3m2M12zZ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022