Transfer News: Chelsea target Leeds United attacker Raphinha
According to Gianluigi Longari of Sport Italia via SB Nation (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are targetting a move for Leeds United attacker Raphinha and have entered the race ahead of the January window. The Brazilian has emerged as a highly-rated winger, which has seen him reach newer heights for club and country.
The Blues have a “strong interest” in securing the services of the 25-year-old and could facilitate a transfer in the future. They are planning a £42million deal to get him to add to their forward line. Interestingly, Longari has claimed that he had previously broken the news about Leeds signing him two years ago.
Thomas Tuchel is keen on bringing the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge to boost their forward options. The latter had a splendid performance for his team against Tuchel’s side but eventually lost the match in the end. He would be a sensational signing for the West London club if they could pull this off in the coming transfer windows.
Exciting prospect
Those who have followed the Leeds forward would know that this is a potentially exciting signing. The progression he has made this year is impressive, which has seen him quickly become a star for the Brazil national team as well. He could certainly make a glaring impact in a club where he can express himself even more.
The Whites star has featured in 16 games this season and has scored eight goals alongside an assist in Premier League. Keep in mind that he has this goal output in a team that has struggled so far in this campaign. It would be tough to get him during a season, especially when they have depended on him to keep them above the relegation zone.
A tempting offer could turn the tides for our advantage but, it remains to be seen whether Marcelo Bielsa’s would risk relegation for a quick sum of money. Looking at how our attack has fared so far, the Brazil international’s addition would be a welcome sight indeed.
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Players like Cristian Pulisic, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech have struggled with their form recently, which raises the question of whether reinforcements are needed. Ziyech could head out on loan to AC Milan, and Marina Granovskai could sanction it because of his current circumstance.
Pulisic has struggled to get going, albeit he is being played out of position whereas, Havertz has had fitness issues recently. The Leeds winger could lend us a hand in such a situation, but it is a long process before we can say for sure that a move is finalised.
