Barcelona have reportedly submitted an opening offer for Leeds United winger Raphinha, who is being lined up as the replacement for Ousmane Dembele ahead of the Frenchman’s possible departure from the Nou Camp this summer.
SportWitness reported Barcelona have tabled a £35million bid for Raphinha, who is under contract at Leeds until the summer of 2024.
The Catalan giants have set their sights on luring the Brazilian to Spain after abandoning their pursuit of sought-after Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, Sport newspaper reported.
A salary agreement has also been reached in principle, SportWitness said, with Barcelona reportedly identifying the 25-year-old as their prime transfer target.
Raphinha, left, has reportedly been identified as Barcelona’s top transfer target
Ousmane Dembele is set to leave Barcelona for PSG this summer, according to reports
Leeds are thought to value Raphinha at closer to £70million and it is unclear whether they would be willing to sell one of their star players.
According to reports, Dembele is likely to join PSG during the transfer window and the Spanish club – reportedly aware of his links to the French side – are now considering replacements for the 24-year-old forward.
Raphinha, whose agent is Barcelona legend Deco, has been suggested as a possible alternative to the Frenchman should he leave Barcelona in the summer.
He has impressed for Leeds since arriving at Elland Road in October 2020, becoming a Brazilian international off the back of his form for the Premier League side.
Xavi’s Barcelona have reportedly already tabled a £35million bid for Raphinha
The performances of the Leeds winger, who has scored nine goals in 28 top-flight appearances, have attracted the attention of several top European clubs.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also rumoured to be among the clubs battling for Raphinha’s signature.
The Brazilian missed Leeds’ dramatic 3-2 win over Wolves on Friday night after testing positive for Covid-19.
The victory at Molineux boosted Leeds’ Premier League survival hopes and they are seven points clear of the drop zone with eight games to go.
