Report: Chelsea had £40m bid turned down in January for South American attacker, he’s unobtainable right now

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Leeds United reportedly rejected a £40m bid from Chelsea to sign Raphinha in the last transfer window.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Elland Road hierarchy received an offer for the Brazilian from their age-old rival in January but decided against accepting the cash.

What is going on with Raphinha?

Raphinha might not have left Leeds at the start of 2022, but he could well be on the move once the summer market opens for business.

Several clubs are circling his signature, with Barcelona apparently in the best position currently.

Arsenal have recently been mentioned as a possible Premier League option for the silky forward by Fabrizio Romano.

Romano has been providing regular updates on Raphinha’s situation, with Chelsea constantly popping up in conversation.

Thomas Tuchel’s employers have seemingly kept the Brazil international in their sights for some time.

They were pushing for a transfer before the UK government sanctioned Roman Abramovich, preventing any signings from joining the European champions.

Chelsea must look elsewhere

Until a new owner is installed, plans for the end of the season must be put on pause for now.

Unfortunately, by the time Chelsea can press play again, the opportunity to land Raphinha may have passed them by.

Especially if Leeds are relegated, meaning their talismanic number ten could flee the nest for as little as £25m (Romano).

Some bargain for some player.

Few clubs with cash would be able to turn down such an enticing deal.

Even Barca, who continue to battle with their financial frailties, might be able to conjure up the money through sales of their own.

But missing out on Raphinha is certainly not the end of the world.

Chelsea have other areas on the field that need addressing far more urgently than their attack.

Acquiring one or maybe two centre-backs should be high on the agenda, considering the situations of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

Full-back could also be assessed, with Reece James and Ben Chilwell’s injuries causing Tuchel repeated dilemmas.

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