When word of the club's transfer speculations tying them to a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha first surfaced, Chelsea fans were overjoyed. Todd Boehly, the new owner of the Blues, moved quickly to reach a deal with the Peacocks.
The personal arrangements between the buying club and the player typically come to an agreement quickly after a fee has been agreed upon. Raphinha and Chelsea, on the other hand, have not experienced that. The player's camp, whose initial choice is to sign with Barcelona, is still waiting to respond.
Due to their precarious financial state, the Catalans will likely struggle to outbid Chelsea and persuade Leeds. The deal is in a challenging scenario, but Barca seem to be making progress every day.
With that in mind, here are three alternatives for Raphinha Chelsea could look to sign in this summer's transfer window.
1. NEYMAR JNR
There aren't many greater statement signers than Neymar Jr. At PSG, the 30-year-old Brazilian was at ease and content, but recently, things have changed. According to Julien Laurens of ESPN, Luis Campos wants to offload Neymar in order to build a more cohesive and balanced club. Although Neymar does not want to leave, he may be forced to leave Paris this summer.
Additionally, according to the same rumor, Todd Boehly and Chelsea have been contacted by Neymar's representatives. Neymar would cure Chelsea's problems on paper and bring stardom and unadulterated skill to the club. He has already collaborated with Thomas Tuchel, and the two get along well. Neymar is prone to injuries, but considering the qualities he can bring, it may be a calculated risk.
PSG is open to considering proposals for their Brazilian star. He brings in around £600,000 each week, which is the biggest obstacle for any club. To make a transaction happen, PSG might have to pay a portion of his salary or subsidize his compensation. Last season, Neymar made 28 appearances and scored 13 goals.
2. OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ
Ousmane Dembélé is a free agent as of July 1. The French winger is now without a club after failing to reach a new contract agreement with Barcelona. Barcelona might still sign him to a new deal, but the Catalans may run into trouble because to the wage demands. Dembélé initially preferred to remain at Nou Camp, but the two parties have been unable to reach an agreement.
Dembélé is a free agent, and it has long been claimed that Chelsea is interested in signing him. In his 21 La Liga games for Barcelona last year, the winger saw action on one goal and 13 assists. Dembélé, who is only 25 years old, is a very gifted athlete. Thomas Tuchel and he previously collaborated at Borussia Dortmund.
3. RAHEEM STERLING
Chelsea are confident they can sign Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling this summer, as long as a fee can be agreed with the Premier League champions for the player.
Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Sterling, with the Blues boss believing the forward is better suited to Chelsea's style of play than Romelu Lukaku, who is set to go out on loan back to former club Inter Milan next season.
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