Chelsea have joined the race to sign Leeds United and Brazil winger Raphinha.
Raphinha (full name Raphinha Alcântara do Nascimento) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Leeds United in the Premier League.
He began his career with the Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro, before joining the French club Rennes in 2017.
He spent two seasons with Rennes, making over 50 appearances and winning the Coupe de France in 2019. In September 2020, he joined Leeds United on a four-year deal.
Raphinha was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on 14 December 1996. He began his career with the local club Atlético Mineiro, making his professional debut in 2013.
He spent four years with Atlético Mineiro, making over 100 appearances and scoring 20 goals. In 2017, he joined French club Rennes for a fee of €10 million. He spent two seasons with Rennes, making over 50 appearances and winning the Coupe de France in 2019.
In September 2020, he joined Leeds United on a four-year deal for a fee of £17 million.
Raphinha has represented Brazil at the youth level, winning the Under-20 South American Championship of 2015. He made his senior debut for Brazil in 2019.
The 25-year-old has been the subject of a bid from Arsenal and interest from Barcelona, according to reports.
Raphinha, who they signed from Rennes for £17m two years ago, would be worth more than £50m.
Raphinha has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 16 appearances.
He has also been impressive for Brazil, scoring two goals in four appearances for his country.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Raphinha as a replacement for Willian, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Leeds will be reluctant to sell one of their best players, but they may be tempted to cash in if they receive a big offer for Raphinha.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will agree on a fee with Leeds, but they will be hopeful of signing the Brazilian winger in the January transfer window.
