Chelsea have reportedly offered a lucrative €6 million-a-year contract to Raphinha as they close in on a summer move for the Brazilian international.
According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Chelsea have offered a €6 million-a-year deal to Leeds United winger Raphinha, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculations recently. The Blues are reportedly ‘just one step away’ from reaching an agreement for the Brazilian international’s transfer.
Barcelona were reportedly the first in line to secure Raphinha’s signature this summer, but their inability to offload some of their highest-earners and make space for new arrivals has hampered the chances of the Blaugrana.
Among the Premier League clubs, Arsenal first stepped in and were confident of seeing the deal, but the 25-year-old decided against a move to London. Tottenham, too, showed interest but did not make any official approach, which ruled them out. Even Chelsea seemed out of the equation, as the Brazilian international wanted to move to Barcelona.
Chelsea were first reported to be keeping tabs on Raphinha in December last year, but it was not until very recently that the Blues joined the race for the Leeds United forward’s signature, as the Blues’ ownership situation kept them away from the market. But Chelsea have acted quickly and offered the best personal terms among potential suitors.
The west Londoners have offered Raphinha a massive €6 million-a-year deal to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge. The latest development comes in the wake of quick movements this claimed that the two clubs have reached an agreement over a summer transfer.
The in-demand Brazilian winger is now closing in on a move to Chelsea, which could open doors for a couple of potential exits from Thomas Tuchel’s side. Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a return to Inter Milan, while Timo Werner could leave the west London club club this summer as well.
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Hakim Ziyech is also reportedly on the verge of joining AC Milan on a loan deal, which would leave enough space for Raphinha in the squad. The Blues are still eager to sign a number nine, but adding defensive reinforcements is currently their priority. A move for Matthijs de Ligt is in the works, and the player is keen on a move, but Chelsea and Juventus are yet to agree on a transfer fee.
