According to reports, Chelsea has made a key decision in their pursuit of Raphinha, despite transfer interest from Barcelona.
The Blues are interested in signing the winger from Leeds United this summer as Thomas Tuchel's side looks to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that after agreeing on a fee for the Brazilian, Chelsea made a strong contract offer to the player, the highest of any interested club.
However, it appears that a move to Camp Nou is more likely in recent days, with the player holding out for a move to the Spanish giants.
As a result of this information, Chelsea has decided to abandon their pursuit of the player while focusing on other targets during the transfer window.
Raphinha could be on his way to Barcelona.
The Blues are putting pressure on Leeds and Raphinha to make a decision on the player's future, according to Raisa Simplicio.
Chelsea is believed to be feeling 'threatened' by Barcelona in the race for the player, and they do not want to wait much longer.
Leeds are 'willing to accept the best offer' for their star player, with Tuchel's team currently in that position.
Barcelona has promised to improve their offer to the Yorkshire club, but Chelsea does not want to wait any longer in their pursuit.
They have already agreed a fee of around £55 million with Leeds for the 25-year-old, who was instrumental in keeping them from relegation in the Premier League last season.
It was also revealed that the Whites insist on sticking to their agreement with Chelsea, especially given that Barcelona's previous offer was not as good as the one proposed by the west London club.
However, according to reports on Friday, Xavi's side is close to finalizing a deal for Raphinha, agreeing on a fee of around €60 million to be paid in installments.
As a result, Chelsea's chances of signing the winger, who scored 11 goals for Leeds last season, may be over.
While Chelsea's chances of completing a single attacking signing may be jeopardized as a result of other interest, the club is thought to be close to signing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City this summer.
He only has a year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is said to have held preliminary talks with Tuchel about a move to west London.
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