Raphinha’s agent Deco ‘meets Barcelona chiefs’ as Spanish giants looks to hijack Chelsea’s transfer bid
RAPHINHA’S agent was spotted at the Nou Camp less than 24 hours after Chelsea appeared to move into pole position to sign the Leeds winger.
The west Londoners dealt a hammer blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Brazilian on Tuesday by tabling a bid north of £55million for his services.
— Víctor Navarro (@victor_nahe) June 29, 2022
Salen Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Deco y Enric Masip de las oficinas del Camp Nou
Mateu sonríe cuando le gritan: “trae a Lewandowski, por favor”
Joan Laporta, hoy de cumpleaños, ha salido hace unos minutos
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A deal has yet to be reached and talks with the player’s agent – former Barcelona and Chelsea ace Deco – are set to take place later this week.
But Barca could be poised to land the winger after Deco was spotted at the Nou Camp with club chiefs Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Enric Masip and president Joan Laporta.
Spanish journalist Victor Navvaro captured footage of the group leaving the stadium and shared it on Twitter.
He tweeted: “Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany, Deco and Enric Masip leave the Camp Nou offices.
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“Mateu smiles when they yell at him: ‘Bring Lewandowski, please.’
“Joan Laporta, today’s birthday, left a few minutes ago.”
Raphinha, 24, played a vital role in Leeds beating the Premier League drop last season, pitching in with 11 goals in 35 appearances.
And he scored the crucial opening goal in the White’s 2-1 victory over Brentford on the final day of the season, which secured the club’s Premier League survival.
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Speculation about Raphinha’s future was rife before the end of the campaign, although Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is adamant it didn’t affect the Brazil international’s form.
When asked if Raphinha’s head had potentially been turned, the American said last month: “Not at all.
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“He is 100 per cent invested. His emotion, which has been talked about, can be interpreted as a lack of discipline.
“I see it as a total investment. That part has been no thought for me.”
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