‘As I understand it’: Chelsea want to sign £65m attacker then use him at wing-back – journalist

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Chelsea would reportedly like to sign Leeds United attacker Raphinha then use him as a wing-back.

Raphinha, 25, is a very talented winger that’s receiving a lot of attention this summer in the transfer rumour mill.

It’s been reported Chelsea are getting serious about launching a move for the Leeds star, who’s valued at around £65million. There’s interest from Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham, too.

He’s managed to become a Brazil international due to his form at Elland Road in the past two years, but it feels like he’s good enough to take a step up at club level.

Raphinha at wing-back?

Well-respected Athletic journalist David Ornstein has given an eye-catching update about Chelsea’s interest in Raphinha.

Apparently, Thomas Tuchel’s side could look to use the South American attacker as a wing-back if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea present Champions League football, but they’re still getting their recruitment plans together. As I understand it, they would quite like to play him as a wing-back. I’m not sure if he would want that,” Ornstein told The Athletic.

This is the kind of claim that will understandably confuse a lot of supporters.

Raphinha’s been one of the most exciting flair players in the Premier League for two years, with his real strength running at full-backs with his close control, pace and trickery. Surely, it would be a big mistake to put a limit on his talent by adapting his position.

Chelsea’s transfer links to numerous wide players in this window mean plenty are hoping for a change of formation that allows them to play more conventional wingers.

For Raphinha, it’s hard to imagine him enjoying changing his free-flowing game.

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