Chelsea are reportedly ‘giving serious consideration to rivalling Arsenal’s bid’ for Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The Blues are set to be very busy this summer with co-owner Todd Boehly getting the club’s recruitment process underway.
They are believed to be very keen on Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and are readying a bid.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele is also a reported target, with multiple reports claiming the Premier League club have offered a contract to the Frenchman, who is out of contract this summer.
Chelsea have also been pondering a move for Raphinha, as have Tottenham, however, Arsenal are the only side to put an offer on the table and are preparing a second bid after being rebuffed by Leeds.
Everton’s Richarlison has also been a target, though Spurs are leading the race to sign Raphinha’s Brazil teammate.
The 25-year-old has made Barcelona his first choice and has already agreed personal terms with the La Liga giants, but they are currently unable to fund a deal.
Tuchel wants a 1v1 attacking player and, as of today (and everything subject to change in a transfer window), it seems Raphinha is the most likely to be join Chelsea along with Sterling.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) June 28, 2022
Raphinha is valued at around £65m by Leeds and the player’s agent is former Blues midfielder, Deco.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea ‘are giving serious consideration to rivalling Arsenal’s bid’ to sign the Whites winger.
The report states that Sterling would cost around £50m, meaning Thomas Tuchel’s side will look to offer a similar amount for the Brazilian international as the German head coach looks for an attacking overhaul following their underwhelming and chaotic 2021/22 campaign.
The Guardian have also stated that Chelsea have ‘stepped up’ their interest in Raphinha. They state that Tuchel is ‘increasingly focusing his attention’ on the Leeds man.
Both reports mention Chelsea’s interest in Manchester City defender Nathan Ake. The Dutch centre-half played for the Stamford Bridge club for seven years from the age of 15.
A Telegraph report on Monday stated that the Blues are looking to strike a deal for both Ake and Sterling.
Boehly – who is acting as interim chairman and sporting director – ‘contacted’ City to check on the Premier League champions’ valuation of the two players.
Tuchel is ‘attracted’ by the fact Ake is left-footed and can play left-back or defensive midfield…
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