Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Raphinha, as Thomas Tuchel considers the Brazilian a key attacking reinforcement for the summer.
According to Fichajes, Thomas Tuchel wants to bring in fresh attacking options in the summer, with Leeds United attacker Raphinha featuring on their shortlist. Chelsea have struggled with a lack of consistency in the final third, which could be addressed in the summer, with the Brazilian considered a key target.
From the start of the season until at least November, Chelsea were one of the favourites to win the Premier League title. However, the Blues have dropped a lot of points since that period, which has cost them a place among the challengers, with Manchester City racing ahead and Liverpool following closely behind.
Despite an array of attacking options available to Tuchel, which helped the team win the Champions League last term, Chelsea added Romelu Lukaku in the mix. The Belgian’s reputation brought about an air of confidence to win honours this term, although his performances have been below par at best.
Moreover, the performance levels of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have also dropped considerably this season, which has raised alarm bells over their long-term roles. Chelsea are understandably ready to dip into the transfer market in the summer, with several key reinforcements, especially in the attack, expected to arrive.
One of Tuchel’s preferred targets is Raphinha, who could leave Leeds United in the summer. The Brazilian has been in sensational form since arriving at Elland Road, with many top clubs including Liverpool and Newcastle United are on his heels for a considerable period.
Raphinha has also proven his worth this season when Leeds missed many of their key attackers. The winger has become the leader of Marcelo Bielsa’s attack this term. The Yorkshire side could be open to selling their prized asset if a financially viable offer arrives in the summer.
West Ham United already had a bid rejected in January for Raphinha, which indicated the key interest in the winger from fellow Premier League sides. Chelsea, when they could chase the winger in the summer, will face tremendous competition for his signature.
Leeds could very well demand a huge fee to let Raphinha leave, with the attacker set to fetch a significant price amid possible competition in the market. It remains to be seen if Chelsea prioritise Raphinha in the summer transfer window, although they have quite a few options on their radar for the wide-attacking zones.
