Raphinha sale ‘conversations’ being held after Barcelona player-exchange plans hit buffers
Barcelona are deep in talks with Leeds United to try and agree a price for Raphinha with a player exchange deal unlikely, according to a report.
The Catalan giants are said to be keen on the Brazilian after an impressive few seasons at Elland Road. In his first season he contributed 15 top-flight goals and assists and he has 12 contributions this term. That has led to interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona.
Arsenal recently joined the hunt for the winger, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Gunners making an official enquiry.
Barca though appear to be the frontrunners to land the 25-year-old with reports even stating he has agreed personal terms with the LaLiga club. But those reports appear to be wide of the mark. Although the Catalans are believed to be in talks with Victor Orta.
Leeds are not in any rush to hold contract talks with Raphinha, who is tied to the club until 2024. In fact Orta has made it clear that their number one priority is to ensure their Premier League survival.
The Spanish director of football said recently: “…when summer arrives, when the time comes, there will be time for everything.”
Barca in the meantime are trying to negotiate a deal for Raphinha. And have reportedly offered a number of players as makeweights to lower the asking price.
The Spanish press say that Xavi is willing to offer either Clement Lenglet, Martin Braithwaite, Sergino Dest or Oscar Mingueza in exchange for Raphinha.
Raphinha negotiations underway
But as per Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness that proposal is not going well.
Apparently Leeds do not seem especially keen, and furthermore neither do the players involved.
Defender Mingueza , who is only believed to be a loan option, “would not consider this option”. And Sergino Dest and Clement Lenglet don’t want to leave to join Leeds or anyone else, as per the outlet.
That has left Barca officials trying to negotiate a straight buying price for Raphinha. And the source say “conversations are being held” between the two parties.
What is clear is that the price will have to be much higher than the €35m offer Barca reportedly made not so long ago.
Leeds are said to be looking for double that for a player, who was an initial £17m purchase from Rennes in October 2020.
READ MORE: Final fee revealed as Leeds United edge big step nearer to first summer signing
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