Leeds United attacker Raphinha rejected an offer from Newcastle United with Barcelona finally closing in on a deal, according to reports.
The Brazil international has been one of the main talking points of the summer transfer window so far with a host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature, as well as interest from Barcelona.
Arsenal looked to be leading the race to sign him at one point with the north Londoners the only club bidding for his services before Chelsea met the Yorkshire club’s asking price last week.
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However, it has become clear in recent days that Raphinha has no desire to move anywhere except Barcelona with the Catalan giants’ finances proving the main stumbling block over a potential deal.
There are now reports from Spanish journalist Gerard Moreno that Barcelona are ‘about to close the deal’ with Leeds for Raphinha with the two clubs set to agree a €60m transfer.
It is understood that Barcelona have agreed to pay Raphinha ‘a salary of €6m net per season’ and Moreno adds that ‘in recent days’ the Brazilian ‘turned down an offer from Newcastle’.
🤝 Barça y Leeds, apunto de cerrar el acuerdo por Raphinha. El Barça ofrece cifra alrededor de 60M 💶
👉🏻 Barça y Raphinha han acordado un sueldo de 6M netos por temporada.
❌ En los últimos días, el jugador rechazó una oferta del Newcastle https://t.co/hb5hhK87OW pic.twitter.com/L4uVRrQto8
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) July 1, 2022
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has still not confirmed that the two clubs have an agreement but has always maintained that Raphinha has had a five-year deal ‘ready since March’ at Barcelona.
Raphinha, hoping for Barcelona move with 5 year deal ready since March – no final answer sent to Chelsea yet, waiting for Barça. 🇧🇷 #FCB
Barcelona bid last Thursday: €50m plus €10m add-ons, paid in installments.
Leeds insist they only accepted Chelsea bid for £60m, as of now. pic.twitter.com/Q3NAuW4FUA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2022
With Kalvin Phillips also set to leave Leeds to move to Manchester City this summer, former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has them down as one of the favourites for relegation.
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said: “Leeds are in big trouble. Leeds are my favourites to go down next season with Bournemouth and Fulham.
“You cannot afford to lose your…
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