Chelsea are reportedly set to launch an attempt in the eleventh hour to sign Rafinha from Bayern Munich
According to a report by German publication Bild, Chelsea are set to make a late attempt to sign Rafinha before the summer transfer window slams shut on Thursday. Bayern Munich, though, are reluctant to part ways with the Brazilian defender, who is yet to start a league game this season.
Rafinha is one of the longest-serving members of the current Bayern Munich squad, having been at the Allianz Arena for over six years now. However, the player has never managed to establish himself as a regular fixture in the first-team setup.
Till the 2016-17 season, Rafinha largely played second fiddle to Philipp Lahm, while this season he is behind Joshua Kimmich in the pecking order. Nevertheless, the veteran defender has proven to be a reliable player to fall back on for various Bayern managers over the years.
However, Rafinha could be set to call time on his spell with the Bavarian giants this season, with Chelsea keen on making him their latest summer signing. The report suggests that Antonio Conte has been monitoring his situation for some time and is set to launch the offensive for him.
Bild | #Chelsea want to sign Bayern Munich’s right back #Rafinha before the end of the transfer window. #CFC pic.twitter.com/49ZRovIWrs
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) August 30, 2017
Indeed, the Italian manager has been scrambling to sign wing-backs for both sides, with no recognised choices beyond first-choice options Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso. The Chelsea boss had been eyeing Danilo, who could have been a solution on both sides, for a possible move.
But, the Brazilian defender snubbed the Premier League champions to join Manchester City instead. Since then, the West London club have been linked with several players, but have failed to make much progress.
All that could be set to change on deadline day, with Conte set to make a move for Rafinha. The 31-year-old has, time and again, expressed his desire to secure regular starts at a time when he is at the peak of his powers.
But, with the player unlikely to feature prominently at Bayern this season, a move to Chelsea could entice him. However, Chelsea face a stumbling block in his pursuit, with Bayern Munich unwilling to let go of the player this summer.
Carlo Ancelotti regards him very highly – a reliable substitute whenever called upon. With little time left for the Bavarians to secure the services of a replacement, they are likely to rebuff any approach from Chelsea.
It now remains to be seen if Conte finally succeeds in his attempts to sign a wing-back this summer, or if he has to suffice with makeshift options to act as deputy to Victor Moses for the rest of the season – or at least till the winter transfer window.
