Chelsea's different attack following the departures of Raphinha and Raheem Sterling
Chelsea are pushing ahead in the transfer window after a slow start following Todd Boehly's takeover, and he wants to back up Thomas Tuchel with a double signing of Raphinha and Raheem Sterling.
If Chelsea can complete a double deal for Raphinha and Raheem Sterling this summer, they could have a very fresh-looking attack next season.
The Blues have had a slow start to the transfer window this year, which is understandable given the club's major changes in recent months. Todd Boehly is the new owner, having purchased the club from Roman Abramovich.
There have been wholesale changes in the boardroom, with Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia, and Petr Cech all leaving, while the American billionaire is supporting Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea has turned their attention to the summer market, hoping to make up for lost time after the internal changes have been completed.
And Boehly means business, with talks about bringing Raphinha and Sterling from Leeds United and Manchester City, respectively, gaining traction. Chelsea is expected to make a bid for the pair, which both clubs are expected to accept.
The Premier League champions are willing to let Sterling go as he enters the final year of his contract, while the Blues are in the lead following transfer talks. According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds and Chelsea have reached a 'full agreement' on a deal for Raphinha.
All that remains to be negotiated are the personal terms for both players, which are not expected to be a problem. The pair would prefer to play in the Champions League next season, and Arsenal has also been linked with them.
Tuchel could have quite the attack next season after struggling to find a consistent trio up top last season. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, and Kai Havertz all struggled throughout the campaign.
What this means for Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, who have both been linked with exits from the club, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Werner has been mentioned as a possible makeweight to bolster the defense.
Tuchel wants Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, but reaching an agreement with the Old Lady has proven difficult. Werner has been used as part of a player-plus-cash deal that could see the Dutchman join Chelsea.
Nonetheless, this is a transfer saga that could last all summer, with Raphinha and Sterling appearing to be the club's first signings under Boehly. The American has been looking for a marquee signing, and he may have landed two.
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