Chelsea are closing in on a £55m deal for Leeds United ace Raphinha.The Premier League giants contacted Leeds on Tuesday and were told what it would take to lure the Brazilian international to Elland Road.
And Thomas Tuchel's men are prepared to meet the asking price.Raphinha had been holding out for a move to Barcelona. But the Spanish giants failed to make a move due to their ongoing financial problems - leaving the door open for Chelsea to steal a march on them, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal.READ MORE: Raphina's agent is ex-Chelsea man Deco who Graeme Souness sold before he became a starThe 25-year-old has made it clear to Elland Road bosses he wants to join a bigger club that can offer him Champions League football and a better chance of winning trophies.
He also knows he can double his wages at Stamford Bridge.It is understood Chelsea's decision to sign Raphinha will not stop them from attempting to land England and Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling as well.Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes in 2020 for £17m and has been a revelation for the Yorkshire club.
Read more on dailystar.co.uk