Despite the well-documented figure of more than £1billion spent by Chelsea, it is still clear that numerous positions on the pitch need addressing in the transfer market.
Defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round over the weekend exposed a number of these flaws, and with Nicolas Jackson not fit to start they lacked threat with Christopher Nkunku leading the line.
It has not only been the number nine role which has been under scrutiny of late. The Blues in truth lack regular goals from anyone outside of Jackson or Cole Palmer.
Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto have all been handed plenty of opportunities at Stamford Bridge, however no one has stepped up of yet to become a genuine threat in front of goal.
Todd Boehly must be fuming Chelsea didn’t sign Raphinha in 2023
The same cannot be said of Raphinha, who is currently starring at Barcelona. The Brazilian’s goals and assists this season have seen him become a genuine contender to win the Ballon d’Or.
| Raphinha 24/25 stats | Games | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 23 | 13 | 6 |
| Champions League | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 2 | 1 |
The Brazilian international was previously linked with a move to Chelsea, to the point where a deal was agreed between the Blues and Leeds for him to move in the summer of 2023.
In Todd Boehly’s first transfer window in charge of the club, he assumed the role of Sporting Director due to there not being a recognised figure there when he arrived.
It was the American who was leading their efforts to sign Raphinha, and no doubt the angriest that they were not able to secure the deal.
That summer saw the Blues bring in a plethora of established stars, with the marquee addition being Raheem Sterling from Manchester City. It is hard to imagine both players joining the club in the same window.
Why Chelsea didn’t sign Raphinha
Despite agreeing a deal, Raphinha ended up moving to Barcelona, leaving Chelsea having to go back to the drawing board as far as attacking prospects go.
The player’s agent at the time, former Blue and Barcelona midfielder Deco pushed for him to join the La Liga side, with that deal finally being announced weeks after the initial bid.
Leeds owner at the time Andrea Radrizzani stated he felt he disrespected Boehly by not selling him to Chelsea, however, the player and agent’s desire stepped in his way.
Chelsea will be keen on signing another winger in the summer and have been reported to be interested in Raphinha in recent windows. However, his form in Spain makes him an unrealistic target at this stage.
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