Chelsea hijack Arsenal move for Raphinha

Chelsea have successfully hijacked Arsenal's bid to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer.

The Gunners were deemed favourites to sign the Brazilian earlier this month, and they were hoping to negotiate around £50m for his services.

However, their plans have been thrown out of the window by the Blues, who have agreed to meet Leeds' £65m valuation for the attacker.

A complete agreement has been reached over the transfer fee, according to Fabrizio Romano, and negotiations are underway over personal terms.

Raphinha needs to be convinced over the transfer, but it could be more of a formality with the 25-year-old wanting to play Champions League football.

Barcelona were the forward's preferred transfer destination, but they are not in a position to afford him due to their ongoing financial problems.

The Gunners seemed to be favourites to sign him, but the unexpected entry of their London rivals has thrown their pursuit out of the window.

Raphinha is expected to sign for the Blues in the coming days.