According to industry expert Dean Jones, Chelsea is serious about their pursuit of Raphinha, a star for Leeds United.
Barcelona and Arsenal are still strongly in the running for the Brazilian, but the Blues appear to be dominating the race ahead of their London rivals.
Result of the GiveMeSport Transfer
What are the most recent Chelsea transfer rumors?
Todd Boehly, the new co-owner of Chelsea after his group acquired the west London club, is not wasting any time.
According to The Telegraph, the Premier League team has agreed to pay Leeds £55 million to sign Raphinha this summer. Raphinha is also rumored to be on Arsenal's radar.
Although some media outlets had previously reported that Chelsea had made an offer for Raheem Sterling of Manchester City, the 25-year-old is not the only attacking player they are interested in.
The Blues are certain that they will sign the England international during this transfer window, according to the Evening Standard.
Raheem Sterling is headed to Chelsea! Find out more about The Football Terrace...
What did Jones say regarding Chelsea?
Jones believes that in light of Chelsea and Boehly's relentless pursuit of Raphinha, they should be considered seriously.
"We knew Chelsea had been negotiating in the background for Raphinha, but I have to say I was astonished by how swiftly they moved for him," the journalist remarked in an interview with SPORT.
Chelsea really mean business in the current age, so this new strategy from Boehly has to worry rival clubs.
Where might Sterling and Raphinha play in the upcoming season?
Raphinha has been mentioned as a potential wing-back option for Thomas Tuchel, but it seems like a waste.
It would make sense in some situations if the German wants to put as many aggressive players on the field as possible against really defensive teams.
But in the majority of games, Chelsea supporters would undoubtedly like to see the Brazil international, who former Premier League winger Darren Huckerby has called a "world-class talent," playing further up on the right and cutting in with his left foot.
Do you recognize this forgotten Chelsea player from the 1990s?
Sterling is expected to occupy that position on the left flank, but it wouldn't be surprising if Tuchel occasionally used him up front in the wake of Romelu Lukaku's decision to return to Inter Milan.
Although Chelsea still need to recruit the two Premier League attackers, which is not a given, much could depend on Tuchel's decision to continue with a back three for the 2022–23 season.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0