‘I was surprised’: Journalist admits shock at Todd Boehly’s actions in attempts to sign £55m winger

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Journalist Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that he has been surprised at Chelsea’s speed in moving for Leeds United’s Raphinha.

In the last couple of days, the club have come from nowhere to agree a deal with the Whites in the region of £55m, drowning out any bids from London rivals Arsenal.

Chelsea have managed to edge closer to the deal, despite still showing great interest in completing other transfers, such as moves for Raheem Sterling and Matthijs de Ligt.

This efficiency has shocked Jones, who has stated that Todd Boehly’s approach could be ominous for the rest of the Premier League.

He said: “We knew Chelsea had been negotiating in the background for Raphinha, but I have to admit I was surprised by how quickly they moved for him.

Jones surprised by Boehly

“This new approach from Boehly has to be a concern for other clubs – Chelsea really mean business in the new era.”

While a fee is agreed between Chelsea and Leeds, Barcelona are failing to shy away from the deal, with the Catalan side being the Brazilian’s preferred destination.

The deal was thrown into further disarray as Raphinha’s agent, Deco, was spotted with chiefs from the Spanish club yesterday. However, the Blues are set for direct talks with the former Chelsea midfielder today, in an attempt to come to a solution on personal terms.

The potential for the club to combine the Brazilian with fellow potential signing Sterling as part of a new look attack would excite fans, potentially also allowing them to see the best of Kai Havertz, which they have been denied of up to now.

Whether the Brazil international ends up at Stamford Bridge next season or not, supporters will at least be encouraged by Todd Boehly’s early moves since taking over at Chelsea, with the businessman already seeing the club as more than a money-making business.