Chelsea ‘agreed deal’ for ex-Premier League star before Barcelona move

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has claimed that Chelsea had agreed a deal for Raphinha before the Brazilian’s move to Barcelona. 

Raphinha was the subject of interest from a number of clubs after an impressive Premier League campaign last year, and Chelsea were rumoured to be close to agreeing a deal prior to his move to the Nou Camp.

Now, Radrizzani has confirmed that the Blues did indeed have a deal in place to sign the forward, before Barcelona’s interest became apparent.

Raphinha was unveiled as a Barcelona player last month

Speaking on The Athletic’s Youtube channel, the Leeds owner revealed that a deal worth £65 million had been agreed between the two Premier League clubs.

The player regarded Barcelona as his dream move, and the Blues’ chances of signing him therefore decreased when the La Liga side became involved.

Raphinha scored 11 Premier League goals last term and was crucial to the Whites’ top flight survival.