Chelsea are reportedly ready to try sign Leeds United’s Raphinha in the summer.
According to Football.London, the 25-year-old’s a long-term target of Chelsea that could end up joining at the end of the season.
It is understood Thomas Tuchel’s Blues are in the hunt for the Brazil international, who’s someone that’s been on their radar for two years.
The report explains Chelsea first noticed the attacker when he was playing alongside Edouard Mendy at Rennes during the 2019/20 season. Eventually, the London club made a brilliant decision to sign goalkeeper Mendy for £22million.
Meanwhile, dazzling winger Raphinha completed a £17million transfer to Elland Road in 2020.
He’s since becoming the talisman in the Leeds XI with his influence in attack, scoring eight Premier League goals already so far this season.
Raphinha, who pundit Dion Dublin described as a “genius to watch” last month on PL productions (17/10/22 at 12:35pm), definitely has the individual quality to play for a side in the top half of the Premier League.
The right-winger is lightning quick, extremely difficult to defend against 1v1, and has a wand of a left foot.
Ziyech should impact Chelsea decision
For certain, Raphinha’s ready to make a big-money transfer in the summer to an elite club.
He’s slotted seamlessly into a Brazil squad that are always under immense pressure, plus he’s tormented Premier League defences since his move to English football.
If Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech can rediscover his golden touch, though, the club don’t need to be pursuing a marque addition on the right flank.
However, Raphinha’s shown qualities in a central number 10 role, so it may come down to what Tuchel thinks his squad needs.
It’s surely only a matter of time before the wide man does move away from Leeds.
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