Chelsea have reportedly entered the race for Leeds United star Raphinha, who is also on the radar of Liverpool.
The Brazilian winger, 25, has impressed in the Premier League since his transfer from French club Stade Rennes in 2020. He is currently the Whites’ top scorer with eight goals in 16 league appearances this season to date. And now, he is rumoured to be attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to Sport Italia, Chelsea are set to battle it out with Liverpool for the signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha next summer. The Blues are working on a deal to sign the wide-man in the summer of 2022, but face competition from many top clubs in Europe, the report adds.
Raphinha has undoubtedly been Leeds United’s best player in a torrid campaign so far, impressing with his technical ability, flair and pace. The Brazilian international is at the right age to make a jump to a bigger club and considering the position the Whites find themselves in, it won’t be a surprise if he leaves Elland Road next year.
Raphinha to Chelsea—Should the Pensioners make a summer swoop?
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has an array of attacking talent at his disposal but not all have clicked as a unit. The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic have struggled to deliver the goods consistently this season, while Kai Havertz has blown hot and cold.
Ziyech and Werner, especially, have struggled in west London since moving from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively last summer. AC Milan have shown an interest in signing Ziyech and the Blues are considering letting the Moroccan leave on loan in January with an obligation to buy. With Pulisic yet to regain his mojo and Werner having done very little to live up to his hefty price tag, Tuchel must look to freshen up his attacking options ahead of the new season.
In that regard, Raphinha would be an ideal fit for Chelsea. One of the most in-demand players in the Premier League, Raphinha is a quality winger who likes to take on his man and beat him with his pace, dribbling skills and movement. The 25-year-old, who can play on both flanks, has the vision to pick out passes in the final third for his teammates and is also a composed finisher in front of goal.
Furthermore, with it being lately reported that Tuchel and Chelsea are more than happy to loan out Ziyech to AC Milan in the upcoming winter window, a move for Raphinha would not only help to improve the German tactician’s current options in attack but also would very much appear to be the final nail in the coffin for the Moroccan international at Stamford Bridge.