Chelsea defender Thiago Silva was trying to convince Arsenal target Raphinha to move to Stamford Bridge before he left Leeds United for Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic.
Chelsea and Arsenal wanted to sign Raphinha
The Athletic have reported that while Arsenal were holding talks with Leeds over the transfer of Raphinha, his Brazil international teammate and Chelsea star Thiago Silva was speaking to him about joining the Blues instead.
The report has claimed that the 25-year-old winger is ‘close to’ Thiago Silva and ‘admires’ the former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star.
The veteran defender was ‘attempting to convince him to join the Stamford Bridge ranks’.
As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea had a deal in place with Leeds over the transfer of Raphinha, while Arsenal had an initial bid of £35 million for the former Rennes star turned down.
Raphinha has now joined Barcelona from Leeds for an initial transfer fee of £49 million (Sky Sports).
Missing out
In our view, Arsenal and Chelsea would have been a better team with Raphinha in it.
The winger scores goals, creates chances, and works hard defensively.
Barcelona are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we are not surprised that the Brazilian has made the switch to Camp Nou.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
