Raphinha set for bumper £40,000-a-week pay rise after snubbing Chelsea to make transfer move to Barcelona from Leeds
RAPHINHA is reportedly set to receive a massive pay rise if his proposed move to Barcelona goes through.
The Spanish giants have stolen a march on Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the Leeds winger.
That works out to be £100,000 a week, a whopping £40,000 increase on the winger's current weekly wages.
Chelsea appeared to move into pole position to sign Raphinha earlier this week after they tabled a bid north of £55million for his services.
But a late swoop from Barcelona could potentially scupper the west Londoners' pursuit of the player.
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The Catalans have reportedly agreed to meet Leeds' asking price for the 25-year-old after his agent - former Barca midfielder Deco - met with club chiefs earlier this week.
Raphinha played a key role in securing Leeds' Premier League safety last season, scoring 11 goals in 35 appearances.
Speculation about his future was rife before the end of the campaign, although Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is adamant it didn't affect his form.
When asked if Raphinha's had potentially been distracted, the American said last month: “Not at all.
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"He is 100 per cent invested.
"His emotion, which has been talked about, can be interpreted as a lack of discipline.
"I see it as a total investment. That part has been no thought for me.”
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