Transfer: Chelsea in pole position to land £55m star

Chelsea are now in pole position to sign winger Raphinha from Leeds United if Barcelona fails to submit an offer for his signature, according to reports.

The Evening Standard reports that Raphinha is set to make a decision on his future within the next 24 hours and Chelsea are ‘frontrunners’ to secure a deal if Barcelona do not follow up with an offer.

Raphinha is in high demand following two impressive seasons at Leeds United and Chelsea have already seen their £55 million bid accepted.

But Raphinha’s preference is to join Barcelona and the Brazilian international has been waiting on the Spanish LaLiga giants to reach an agreement with Leeds United.

Just last week, his agent, Deco, met with Barcelona’s hierarchy on different occasions but the Catalan club have yet to meet Leeds’ valuation.

The report added that Arsenal ‘have not given up hope’ of signing Raphinha but states that the 25-year-old has already ‘snubbed’ a move to the Gunners and Tottenham.