A decision on Raphinha’s future is expected today, with Chelsea currently the favourites, according to a report.

LEEDS, ENGLAND: Raphinha of Leeds United applauds fans after their side's defeat during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on January 22, 2022. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND: Raphinha of Leeds United applauds fans after their side’s defeat during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on January 22, 2022. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The Evening Standard report that we’re finally set to find out Raphinha’s next step, with a decision expected today. Chelsea remain the favourites, as they’re currently the only club to have a bid accepted by Leeds United.

Raphinha wants to join Barcelona, so he’s waiting for a move there. But with Barcelona failing to agree a deal with Leeds so far, Chelsea are the frontrunners.

The Standard claim Arsenal haven’t given up hope of convincing Raphinha to join them instead, but Chelsea are the frontrunners if Barcelona don’t meet Leeds’ demands.

Goal Brazil previously reported that Arsenal were out of contention for Raphinha, with no talks between the Gunners and Raphinha’s camp since Leeds accepted Chelsea’s bid.

But even then, they claimed Arsenal weren’t completely ruling out reentering the race, especially with all the uncertainty in negotiations at the moment.

Brazil's Raphinha celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on February 1, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil’s Raphinha celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on February 1, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona and Raphinha have already agreed a salary of €6m net per season, with personal terms reportedly finalised months ago, but no fee agreement. Chelsea have agreed a £55m deal with Leeds, but not the player.

Both clubs have half of a transfer, but if Barcelona don’t make a move to tie up the deal in the next few hours, you’d imagine Chelsea are Raphinha’s only realistic destination.