Chelsea have now reportedly joined the race to sign Leeds United attacker Raphinha, who could depart Elland Road this summer after two seasons with the club.
Football London claims that the Brazilian international has been on Chelsea’s radar as far back as 2020, with the Blue scouting Raphinha around the same time the west London club were making moves to sign Edouard Mendy, with the duo both playing for Stade Rennais.
Raphinha has been one of Leeds’ best players since the Yorkshire club’s return to the Premier League, and his form this season has caught the eyes of Premier League sides, namely West Ham and Liverpool.
As per the Mirror, though, Leeds have set their asking price for Raphinha at £50m, a transfer fee the Blues shouldn’t have much issue paying given their status as one of the richest clubs in world football.
With Thomas Tuchel likely to go big in the summer transfer window as Chelsea look set to miss out on the Premier League title despite smashing their transfer record last year to sign Romelu Lukaku, Raphinha could be an option.
The Blues have lacked a focal-point goalscorer this season, and Raphinha, who has scored more Premier League goals this season than anyone in the Chelsea squad, could be that man if Leeds decide to sell their talisman winger.
Chelsea can offer Leeds the money, but Raphinha can do better
A move to Chelsea doesn’t seem too unrealistic for Raphinha given his form this season, however, the Brazilian attacker could be making a mistake swapping Elland Road for Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues have shown over the years that big-money attackers fail to live up to expectations, with Lukaku, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz all struggling for consistency at Chelsea, and for Raphinha, the same curse could befall the 25-year-old winger.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
