Raphinha’s agent, Deco, has met with senior officials in Barcelona on Wednesday.
This comes less than 24 hours after Chelsea agreed a £55 million fee with Leeds United for the player.
Chelsea themselves are hoping to hijack the deal from Arsenal, who held extensive talks with the 25-year-old.
Barcelona, however, has a long-standing interest in Raphinha but has been unable to meet Leeds’ valuation due to their financial situation.
It is understood that Raphinha agreed on personal terms with the LaLiga giants in March and actually prefers joining Barca.
The UK Metro reports Deco may be making one last push with Barcelona’s hierarchy.
He was spotted leaving their offices alongside the club’s director of football Mateu Alemany and Enric Masip, advisor to Barca president Joan Laporta.
