Report: Barcelona to sign Raphinha from Leeds United for initial £49M

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Barcelona are close to completing a deal for Raphinha after reaching an agreement with Leeds United to sign the Brazilian for an initial €58 million (£49 million), Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian reports.

The fee for the 25-year-old Brazilian, who scored 11 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season, could increase a further €9 million in add-ons.

Raphinha will sign a long-term contract that will keep him at the Camp Nou until 2027, Romano adds.

He initially appeared to be close to joining a pair of Premier League clubs in Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Blues' £49-million offer accepted by Leeds last month. But the winger reportedly decided in February he only wants to join Barcelona.

Barcelona's financial restraints could delay the deal, but it's expected the transfer will be processed without any issues, Romano adds.

His move to Barcelona is a blow to Chelsea, but the west London club is reportedly set to shift its focus to other attacking options in Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry and AC Milan's Rafael Leao. The Blues also have a deal in place to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have bolstered their attack with the addition of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City as well.

Raphinha's expected arrival at Barca will be the second major departure at Leeds this summer following Kalvin Phillips, who joined Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth £42 million, plus add-ons.

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