Barcelona president Juan Laporta breaks silence on Raphinha and makes transfer claim

Barcelona’s president Juan Laporta has claimed that Leeds United’s Raphinha ‘wants to come’ to the Spanish club as they try to reach a deal for the winger’s services. The Camp Nou has long been known to be the Brazilian’s preferred destination, with personal terms reportedly agreed months ago.

But the Catalan giants have either been unable or unwilling to meet Leeds’ £60million valuation, and Chelsea’s bid of exactly that earlier in the week put the Blues in pole position. Thomas Tuchel’s side have hit a snag in trying to negotiate personal terms with the 25-year-old, with the player’s agent - ex-Barca and Chelsea man Deco - stalling talks as the two await a deal to be made between Leeds and Barcelona.

And Laporta remains confident he can sign Raphinha, claiming the winger ‘wants to come’ to the Camp Nou and that he has been in communication with Whites officials in a bid to strike a deal.

“Raphinha wants to come at Barça. We have communication and have spoken with Leeds,” Laporta said. “What’s there is that there are other clubs that want Raphinha and are making their proposals.”

The desire of both player and agent on a move to Barcelona is clear, but the responsibility lies with Laporta and the club to agree a deal with Leeds. Those in charge at Elland Road will have their nerve tested as pressure is applied from all interested parties regarding a deal, and reports suggested that Barcelona have matched Chelsea’s bid of £60million but can only pay it in instalments over a number of years.

Chelsea’s bid remains on the table and they are keen to kick on with personal talks before Barcelona sort out their own financial situation, but resistance from Raphinha’s party is no doubt causing frustration at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds