Chelsea are Leeds winger Raphinha’s preferred destination if a move to Barcelona doesn’t materialise this summer, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist made the claim when reporting on Arsenal’s failed opening bid for the Brazilian. It is believed that the Gunners and Tottenham are below the Blues in terms of the player’s preferences but fans on Twitter are split on whether the club should enter the race to sign him:
Get this guy
— Hariish (@ImHariish) June 21, 2022
Raphinha ain’t even better than Ziyech let’s be honest. Seriously inconsistent baller. Dembele over him.
— Rahul Haque (@rahulcfc26) June 22, 2022
Richalison and Raphinha in Lukaku and Ziyech out sounds good to me.
— Harry Tipper (@Tipper51719918) June 21, 2022
He’s not an upgrade to anyone we already have. Not good enough for Chelsea.
— Nate Wise (@natewise13) June 21, 2022
Or go for both considering that Dembele would be coming on a free.
— TONY (NOT STARK) (@Nigeriancityzen) June 21, 2022
I wish we could have Richarlison Jesus Raphinha front three …explosive to say the least .
— michael Amobi (@michaelAmobi2) June 22, 2022
Chelsea were heavily linked with Raphinha earlier this year, before the departure of owner Roman Abramovich, so there is a possibility that the club could revive their interest in the 25-year-old.
However, from the sound of things, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling is the number one target to reinforce the club’s options in wide areas while Raphinha’s Brazilian international teammate, Richarlison, is also thought to be higher up the list of priorities. The situation could still change in the coming days and weeks with Todd Boehly now firmly in charge of player recruitment.
