Word stemming from the media on Sunday points towards an imminent conclusion approaching in the saga surrounding the future of Leeds United star Raphinha.
The name of wide-man Raphinha has, of course, taken its place front and centre in the football headlines for several weeks now.
This comes with the Brazilian international attracting the interest of not only the heavyweights of the Premier League, but European football as a whole.
Initially, it was Spanish powerhouse Barcelona who were viewed as the odds-on favourites to strike a deal for the gifted attacker, with boss Xavi Hernandez desperate for reinforcements on the right flank ahead of the new campaign.
Since, though, both Arsenal and, most recently, Chelsea, had positioned themselves at the front of the queue in the race for Raphinha’s signature.
Raphinha at half time during the Premier League match between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor, Burnley on Saturday 15th May 2021. (Credit: Pat Scaasi | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News
But, if the latest word stemming from Spain is anything to go by, then a fresh, and potentially decisive twist in the saga appears imminent.
As per a report from Joaquim Piera of Diario Sport, Barcelona are on the verge of closing an agreement for Leeds’ star man.
Raphinha himself is described as ‘exultant’, in the knowledge that ‘he will be a Barcelona player in a matter of hours’.
The persistence of both the Brazilian and agent Deco proved key, with Raphinha having made clear throughout the summer to date that his sights were set firmly on a Camp Nou switch.
In fact, the 25-year-old is understood to have agreed to a dramatically reduced wage package, compared to that put on the table by the giants of the Premier League.
? Raphinha se ve en el Barça
? El extremo brasileño del Leeds United está exultante porque sabe que su fichaje por el Barça depende solo de flecos
✍️@joaquimpiera https://t.co/xuZvrAI9gg
— Diario SPORT (@sport) July 10, 2022
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