CHELSEA have received a major boost amid their ongoing bidding war with Barcelona over Leeds star Raphinha.
The Blues are leading contenders to sign the winger in the summer as Barca are struggling to meet the Whites' asking price.
According to Diario AS, the Blaugrana may not need the Brazil international after all as Ousmane Dembele "has gotten closer to renewing" his contract.
Dembele's deal runs out today and the Catalan giants are frantically trying to convince him to pen a new one as manager Xavi wants him in his squad this coming season.
And it seems like there is a significant possibility the winger may remain at the Nou Camp.
However, the France international would command a hefty wage bill, which means cash-strapped Barcelona would really struggle to meet Raphinha's demands and Leeds' release clause.
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That clears the way for Chelsea to sign the Brazilian and end the transfer saga with a happy ending.
New owner Todd Boehly is seemingly handling negotiations personally and has agreed a fee north of £55million with Leeds for the 25-year-old.
However, Raphinha is reportedly still keen on joining Barcelona which is why his agent Deco flew over to hold talks with club chiefs.
According to Barca Journalist Shay Lugassi, though, Barca's bid doesn't come close to meeting the Elland Road outfit's demands and the forward is heading to Stamford Bridge.
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Lugassi tweeted: "Sources at Chelsea say that despite Deco's meeting with Barcelona, they believe Raphinha will play at Stamford Bridge next season because they do not see much chance that Barca will equal her offer with Leeds.
" The player wants FCB, but the differences are big."
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