Barcelona chairman Joan Laporta has revealed the true reason behind this burning desire to sign Brazilian material Raphinha.

The La Liga outfit looks set to beat Chelsea to the Brazilian’s signature in a transfer saga that has been ongoing for a number of months after agreeing a fee with the Whites.

Thomas Tuhel’s side agreed on a fee with Leeds United last month but Raphinha has been holding out for a move to Barcelona. The 25 year old is seeing to follow the footsteps of former legend Ronaldinho Gauché and his agent Deco.

. Barcelona’s Reason for Their desire to sign Raphinha

Barcelona are in dire need of a right wing forward as Ousmane Dembele’s future at Barcelona remains unsure. Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has also given Barcelona the green light to sell Ousmane Dembele this summer as he is dissatisfied with Dembele’s attitude at the club.

Following all this Barcelona are considering Raphinha to be a better replacement for outgoing Ousmane Dembele. Barcelona have placed a bid of £63m for Raphinha. Although Todd Boehly’s Chelsea are in or a bid of £55m plus £8m add-ons.

According to The Daily Mail, Barcelona are at the verge of fulfilling the log term desire of both Raphinha and Barcelona as they have beaten Chelsea to getting Raphinha to put pen to paper on their deal.