CHELSEA are poised to make Brazilian star Raphina their first signing under new ownership.
And it is going to cost chairman Todd Boehly £55million for the Leeds United winger.
Chelsea have had a £55million offer for Leeds star Raphinha acceptedCredit: EPAThe two clubs made contact on Tuesday night and Chelsea quickly agreed to stump up the full asking price.
Arsenal have been chasing the maverick winger for some time and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was determined not to lose out to his London rivals.
Barcelona, Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked.
Raphina, 25, told Elland Road bosses he wanted to leave and most fancied a move to Barca.
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New Chelsea director is pop PR Barbara Charone, whose clients include Madonna
But the Spanish giants have financial troubles, paving the way for Chelsea to make a move.
The deal is expected to be announced within the next 48 hours.
Chelsea have been determined to get active in the transfer market following American Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of the club.
So far this summer they have only let players go with defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving on free transfers.
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FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Raphinha still needs to agree personal terms with Chelsea ahead of any move.
The Leeds star, 25, scored 11 Premier League goals and added three assists last season.
He scored in a 3-2 defeat away at Stamford Bridge in December.
Meanwhile, Man City have told Chelsea target Raheem Sterling: We’ll consider a bid for you.
The Premier League champions want to keep the winger but know they are facing a losing battle.
Chelsea are this week set to offer £50million for Sterling, 27, who is keen on the move to London.
City are still hoping Sterling will accept a new contract but they will look at accepting the bid providing the price is right.
The England international still has 12 months of his current deal but is concerned about the game time he will get at the Etihad next season.
He could leave as a free agent next year but wants to play as much as possible ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is looking to make an instant impact after taking over the club and the signing of Sterling would be a massive coup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
