Barça make contact with Leeds United over possible Raphinha transfer
Chelsea have had a bid accepted but Barça need to reduce the price
Barcelona have made contact with Leeds United to step up negotiations for Raphinha with a deal to renew Ousmane Dembele looking complicated.
Per the journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barça have made an offer on Wednesday, although it still doesn't match the English club's valuation of the Brazilian winger.
The reality is that Barça are only sounding out a price and have still not made an official offer pending what happens with Dembele, who is out of contract on Thursday.
Barça will prepare an offensive for Raphinha in July and are clear on the strategy and final price of the operation.
Raphinha is the No.1 target on the wing if Dembele does not renew. Deco, Raphinha's agent, met with Barça on Wednesday and Thursday for talks.
The Leeds attacker wants to join Barça and both parties are convinced that if they stand their ground, Leeds will have no option but to sell to the Catalans.
However, Chelsea have made an official offer for Raphinha, which Leeds have accepted, but they do not have an agreement with the player.
They are waiting to see how long Raphinha will hold out for Barça, but they know it will be difficult.
Barça's strategy is to be left alone in the race -- Arsenal have also bid -- and force a reduction in the price.
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