Three factors that could persuade Leeds United’s Raphinha to pick Chelsea

Raphinha could be on his way to Stamford Bridge this summer with Chelsea now leading the race for the winger after agreeing a fee with Leeds United. The London-based club took pole position after tabling a bid worth up to £65million, according to the Athletic, and will now work on personal terms with the winger in a bid to secure the deal swiftly.

Chelsea’s decisive move, funded by new owner Todd Boehly who - after the departures of sporting director Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech - has taken a very hands on approach to Chelsea’s transfer business, has catapulted the Blues above Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham.

That is due mainly to the speed at which the club have come close to Leeds’ valuation of their man. Barcelona, despite being Raphinha’s preferred destination, were either unable or unwilling to budge from their £35million stance, while Arsenal’s opening bid last Tuesday was some way off and swiftly rejected.

And when it comes down to negotiations with the player himself, it is Chelsea who are likely to come out on top, for they can offer Raphinha every condition he desires in a step up to the elite of European football.

While it has never been explicitly stated, the 25-year-old will be looking for a significant pay-rise following a move away from Elland Road. Since arriving from Rennes for £17million, The Brazilian has racked up 17 goals and 11 assists in 84 appearances, at times single-handedly winning games - a fair basis for financial reward.

His current contract in West Yorkshire, which runs until 2024, pays £63,500 per week, according to player salary website Spotrac. And that is set to nearly double if he chooses Stamford Bridge - The Daily Express report that Chelsea are set to offer Raphinha