Leeds United star and reported Chelsea target Raphinha is “holding off” talks over a new contract as he is waiting for offers from European top teams, according to Goal.
An earlier report from Football.London claims that the Blues have kept an eye on the 25-year-old for a while now.
The 25-year-old came under Chelsea’s radar when he played alongside Edouard Mendy at Rennes in 2019/20.
Both Mendy and Raphinha have now established themselves in the Premier League at different clubs, but Chelsea reportedly remain in pursuit of the winger.
That opportunity may have come for Chelsea.
Goal claims that Raphinha is stalling contract talks with Leeds because he wants to explore his options in the summer.
The winger is currently tied to the club until 2024.
The report further mentioned that the former Sporting star would prefer to say in the Premier League and join a club that can regularly compete for silverware.
Well, Chelsea certainly fit these criteria.
Although, Leeds are reportedly prepared to offer the winger a significant pay rise in the hope of convincing him to stay at Elland Road.
As it stands, the Blues have already plenty of attackers at their disposal.
However, Raphina has already had eight goals in the Premier League this season, more than any Chelsea player.
He would also suit Tuchel’s counter-pressing football, having made second-most pressures in the final third for Leeds this season (FBRef).
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