Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has been speaking to executives at Leeds United and other clubs to get transfer business done for the west London outfit, says journalist Dean Jones.

Chelsea are thought to be closing in on a deal to sign Raphinha from their Premier League rivals, with Boehly leading negotiations following the departure of director Marina Granovskaia.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What is the latest news involving Raphinha?

On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that Chelsea had communicated to Leeds that they are willing to pay around £55m for their star player Raphinha.

Since then, multiple outlets, including The Telegraph, have claimed that the two clubs have now agreed on a fee.

The above comes as a huge blow to Arsenal, who are also said to be interested in the Brazilian.

Barcelona will also be annoyed with this development, though the La Liga side were always going to find it difficult to sign Raphinha for the amount of money Leeds want given their financial difficulties right now.

That being said, Barcelona do not look completely out of the race yet, with it being suggested that the player is still holding out for a move to the Camp Nou.

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What has Jones said about Boehly and Raphinha?

Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Boehly has been calling club executives himself to propose big deals like the Raphinha one.

Speaking to GMS, the transfer insider said: "The Boehly approach to a transfer window is so refreshing. From what I understand, he’s basically just ringing up club executives himself and proposing big deals.

"He felt they might as well make an offer for Raphinha at a time when everyone else is stuttering about his value."

Would Raphinha be a good signing for Chelsea?

There is no doubt that Raphinha would bring quality to Thomas Tuchel's attack.

Last season, the Brazil international scored 11 goals in 35 Premier League outings, while he also completed 1.8 dribbles per game, which was the highest average in Leeds' squad (via WhoScored).

Speaking about Raphinha earlier this year, former Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate told Stats Perform (via FOTMOB): "[He could play] right at the top. He could play for Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea - not a problem. He is outstanding.

"What a signing he's been. They've done a great job on the recruitment side of it to get Raphinha in, and you can see how quick he is, how much he works, but he brings assists and goals with that work rate."

£55m is obviously a lot to spend on one player, but if Raphinha can transfer the form he has shown at Elland Road to Stamford Bridge, then it will be money well spent.