Manchester City now make move to sign £55m player who so nearly joined Chelsea last year

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Manchester City are now keen to sign Raphinha – who came extremely close to joining Chelsea 12 months ago.

That is according to Foot Mercato.

So, what are the details involving Chelsea and Raphinha as Manchester City target the Barcelona forward? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – as you may recall – Thomas Tuchel was extremely keen to sign the Brazil international last summer in Todd Boehly’s first transfer window since taking over from Roman Abramovich.

Andrea Radrizzani – owner of Leeds United at the time – even told The Athletic that a deal to sell Raphinha to Chelsea was “done” until Barcelona changed the South American’s mind and sealed a £55m deal.

If that wasn’t painful enough for Chelsea fans, it could now be rubbed directly in the faces of those at Stamford Bridge as Manchester City attempt to bring the Brazilian back to the Premier League.

Foot Mercato believe Pep Guardiola expects Riyad Mahrez to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, and the Spaniard is keen to replace the Algeria international with Raphinha.

That makes a lot of sense for the Citizens, as the pair are very similar wingers, who love to cut inside from the right flank on their stronger left foot.

Foot Mercato add that Manchester City have already made contact with Barcelona, and a deal could be on as Barcelona need to raise €60m (£52m) by August 31st.

The French news outlet add that Chelsea have actually tried again to sign Raphinha this summer, although his preference is to stay at Barcelona – however, a move to the treble winners would tempt him.

Chelsea don’t need Raphinha

While some fans may be sat at home encouraging Chelsea to make another serious push for Raphinha, there is no longer a need for the 26-year-old.

Chelsea already have a similar player to the Brazilian in Noni Madueke, who is at his best when operating on the left flank and coming inside on his left foot, much like Arjen Robben made a career out of doing time and time again.

After only recently spending £34m on the England Under-21 international, it simply wouldn’t make sense to replace him with another expensive winger in Raphinha.