Football transfer window : Chelsea agrees on a fee with Raphinha but has yet to go over 'personal terms'

Barcelona is reportedly back in the running to sign Raphinha from Leeds United, despite reports that Chelsea has already agreed on a fee.

The Brazilian is believed to prefer a move to Camp Nou, but Barcelona may struggle to compete financially with Chelsea.

According to reports, the Blues agreed on a fee of £55 million with Leeds for Raphinha only a few days ago and were now waiting on personal terms.

It would then come down to Raphinha's preference, with Chelsea currently said to be in pole position to sign the Brazil international.

That is because Barcelona, who had long been expected to sign him this summer, is not currently in a financial position to do so, and Arsenal have yet to reach the level of Chelsea.

What happens next is anyone's guess, but Barcelona is expected to announce a deal with investment group Sixth Street for TV rights worth €200 million soon.

Barcelona must also decide on the future of Ousmane Dembele. The forward has a contract offer from Barcelona, but it is also believed that Chelsea is interested in him.

Raphinha has had two excellent seasons in Leeds, scoring 17 Premier League goals in 65 appearances. His current contract with Leeds is set to expire in 2024.

Chelsea is currently attempting to sign Raheem Sterling, while Arsenal has signed Fabio Vieira and is close to signing Gabriel Jesus.

Who are Chelsea's other targets apart from Raphinha?

This summer, Thomas Tuchel will finally be able to make his mark on the team regarding personnel. Some sources believe it would not be surprising to see him sign Sterling, Ousmane Dembele (or an alternative), and Raphinha.

The club's message to the football world is that new owner Todd Boehly makes things happen.

He is very proactive in terms of transfers, literally calling high-ranking executives to propose transfer deals.

Chelsea's pursuit of new attackers is a message to their squad from last season that their output was simply insufficient.

Romelu Lukaku has already learned that Tuchel will not bend to player pressure and change the philosophy of his playing style to accommodate talent. As a result, few of the club's remaining forwards can feel confident heading into the next season.

Kai Havertz is safe, but Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined for 29 goals last season, and such output will no longer be tolerated as the club strives to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City.

Sterling's goal output is a significant motivator for his pursuit, and they are convincing him that they can meet his requirements regarding ambition and finances.

He will also get more game time than he did at Manchester City last season, which was a significant factor in his decision to leave the club.

Sterling, who has 131 goals for the Premier League champions, has indicated a desire to join Chelsea, according to sources, and the Blues appear confident of closing the deal.

Meanwhile, the dynamism and creativity of Raphinha and Dembele, who has 32 goals for Barcelona, have been identified as a way to breathe new life into the team.

Chelsea was closing in on a deal for Raphinha and thought they were close to a deal for Dembele a few weeks ago but were forced to wait on his contract decision at Barcelona.

The fact that Dembele and Raphinha are both in talks with Barcelona is intriguing, but Chelsea will take advantage of further hesitation.