Chelsea rekindle their pursuit of Barcelona star Raphinha
Chelsea have once again revived their interest in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha after missing out on his signing last summer. The Blues want to add an attacker before the transfer window slams shut.
According to the Telegraph, (h/t Metro), Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring in another attacking player and has turned his attention towards signing the Brazilian winger.
Despite being at Barcelona for a season, the Catalan giants are considering selling the former Leeds United winger for above £60 million, but it seems unlikely after Ousmane Dembele left for Paris Saint-Germain.
However, earlier last season, the 26-year-old had trouble making an impression, but he slowly adjusted in the league and recorded 10 goals and 12 assists in 51 games across all competitions.
He helped Barcelona win La Liga last season and has since been seen as an important part of the club under Xavi. However, a tempting fee could force the Spanish club to sell the winger, as Barcelona is currently mired in a financial meltdown.
With Romelu Lukaku close to joining AS Roma, Chelsea will have enough space to sign another attacking player, and Raphinha also fits the bill. During the 2021–22 season, he helped Leeds United escape relegation, but his absence was felt as Leeds were relegated in the following campaign.
Given that they don’t currently have enough players to cover the right-wing region and that if they do sell the 26-year-old, they will only have 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, it appears to be very difficult to sign the Barcelona winger.
They thus need depth in that position, but if Chelsea makes a higher offer than £60 million, the club might be tempted to trade him. Their financial troubles are well known at this point.
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Dembele’s departure would make any move way more difficult. But if Chelsea want a Premier League-proven player at the peak of his powers, they should go after the Brazil international. He will be an upgrade on Noni Madueke, who is pretty good, but still in his developmental years.