Raphinha is in Barcelona today to complete his medical and join the club on a permanent deal, ending the race for his signature.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Raphinha would travel to Barcelona on Wednesday as Leeds put the finishing touches on an agreement to sell the winger.
Sky Sports report that Raphinha was heading out for his medical this morning, with Fabrizio Romano adding that Barcelona and Leeds have agreed on a €58m (£49m) fixed fee with €9m of potential add-ons.
Leeds United have now confirmed the reports, writing that an agreement in principle has been reached and the player will now undergo a medical.
It’s now just a matter of passing the medical and signing all the relevant contracts.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch effectively confirmed the move as well, speaking on their tour of Australia.
“There’s been distinct movement with Barcelona,” Marsch said. “We think that things will move along in the next day or two, but it’s certainly not finished yet.
“I’m hopeful for him to get this deal done because I know it’s his dream to play for Barcelona.”
Chelsea have had a deal in place with Leeds for weeks, but Raphinha held out for the move to Barcelona, which finally looks to be going through.
Arsenal were also in the race earlier on, but they’ve been out of it since Chelsea’s bid was accepted, with Goal in Brazil reporting that there have been no talks between the Gunners and Raphinha’s camp since then.
Arsenal fans will likely be pleased it’s Barcelona set to sign the winger rather than London rivals Chelsea.