Raphinha 'makes Chelsea transfer U-turn' with agent request amid Barcelona and Arsenal talks

Raphinha has told his agent Deco to stop a potential move to Chelsea this summer, according to reports. It comes after the Blues are said to have agreed a fee with Leeds United for the Brazilian.

The forward could be one of the first names through the door at Stamford Bridge as Thomas Tuchel prepares for a huge transfer window ahead. The German coach is set to make a number of changes to his squad to give it the refresh it needs.

Some key players have already left, including Romelu Lukaku, who has made a loan return to Inter Milan just one-year after his club-record switch to the Blues. The move comes as part of a wider forward line restructure from Tuchel.

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That’s because last season his side regularly struggled to take their chances in front of goal, costing them valuable points as the campaign drew on. In an attempt to solve that, a number of high-profile options have been linked with a move to west London.

Raheem Sterling, Neymar and Raphinha have all been rumoured to be on the shortlist for the Blues this summer. Reports have even suggested that a deal has been agreed with Leeds for the latter, with a fee worth roughly £60million tabled amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal.

However, according to Sport, the Brazilian has asked for his agent to stop a potential move to Stamford Bridge in favour of the Nou Camp. Personal terms with the Catalonian club are said to be agreed, but their struggles with finances make it tough to match the current bid.

Whether he makes the switch remains to be seen, however it could spell a worrying period for Chelsea, without a signing made at this stage of the summer transfer window.