Shockingly Low Release Clause, Perfect Age, A Goal Threat: 5 Reasons Why Chelsea May Be Eyeing Deal For Raphinha

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha in the summer, according to Sport Italia and FootballTransfers.com reporter Gianluigi Longari.

The Italian journalist claims the Blues are leading the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal in the race to secure the Brazilian’s signature.

It is believed that talks with Raphinha’s representatives have already taken place, with director Marin Granovskaia thought to be “keen” to get the deal done.

Press the next page as we list five reasons why the Blues may well be targeting the player.

1) A Low Release Clause

According to Longari, Raphinha has a minimum release clause of €75m (£62.7m), which goes down to just €25m (£20.9m) if Leeds are relegated.

While it is still unlikely that Marcelo Bielsa’s side will go down this season, the existence of that extremely low buyout fee has attracted a whole host of clubs, including Chelsea.

2) He Provides A New Option On The Right Wing

If you look at Thomas Tuchel’s options on the right flank, there are actually very few players in the squad that actually prefer playing on that side of the pitch, other than Hakim Ziyech.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Timo Werner and even Kai Havertz’s preference is to play on the left-wing, so having a player like Raphinha in the squad would offer more balance.

3) Raphinha Has Yet To Reach His Prime

The Brazilian international has only just turned 25 so if Chelsea or another club do secure his signature in the summer, they will likely have him for his best years as a professional footballer.

Of course, you do have to take into account form and fitness, but Raphinha’s improvement as a player over the past couple of seasons suggest he is primed to become a world star.

4) He Is Ready For A Big Move

Raphinha’s agent and former Chelsea midfielder Deco said in October that the winger is ready to make a “step forward” in his career, and that ambition and drive seems to suggest he will push for a move away from Leeds.

While he may appreciate what the Yorkshire club have done for him, it seems the player is not satisfied simply with playing for a team struggling against relegation.

5) Raphinha Offers The Goals That Chelsea Lack

The 25-year-old has scored nine goals in the Premier League, which is more than any Blues player has managed so far this campaign. The Brazilian is a major goal threat.

Raphinha can score a goal from nothing, in a similar fashion to Ziyech, but the Leeds winger has more pace and would undoubtedly pose problems to teams who sit back and defend. He could have turned some of Thomas Tuchel side’s draws this season into wins.

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