Raphinha sends clear message to Deco over Chelsea transfer

Chelsea’s hopes of signing Raphinha appear to be fading fast after the Leeds United winger instructed his agent to tell the Blues to cool their interest.

Barcelona have always been the Brazil international’s preferred destination this summer, but the financial strife the Catalan giants find themselves in opened the door for Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Gunners initially appeared to be in pole position but they struggled to agree a fee with the Yorkshire club and allowed Chelsea an opportunity to steal a march.

Raphinha appeared destined for a move to Stamford Bridge after the Blues matched Leeds’ financial demands earlier this week and were prepared to pay a fee in the region of £60million.

The winger, however, appears to have little intention of remaining in the Premier League and, according to Sport, he has told his representative Deco, the former Chelsea player, to tell the west London club to cool their interest.

Missing out on Raphinha will represent a major blow to Thomas Tuchel, so soon after confirmation of Richarlison’s move to Tottenham.

Chelsea attempted to hijack the Everton forward’s transfer to Antonio Conte’s side, but Chelsea were not prepared to match the offer Spurs submitted for the former Watford striker.

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Tuchel is now likely to focus his efforts on securing a deal for Raheem Sterling who is keen to leave Manchester City and return to London.

Chelsea also maintain a long-standing interest in Ousmane Dembele, who played for Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund.

The France international is now