Chelsea alternatives if Barcelona hijacks Raphinha including key Arsenal man
Chelsea may miss out on signing Raphinha because Barcelona is fighting to steal the Brazilian winger away from them.
That could be enough to make Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly reconsider their options.
The Blues agreed a cost of £55 million plus add-ons with Leeds United for the 25-year-old, who scored 11 Premier League goals last season.
It was thought that due to their terrible financial state, Barcelona would be unable to pay the brilliant winger, but a cash influx of over £200 million from selling 10% of their TV rights has strengthened Barca’s coffers.
With Raphinha’s agency Deco holding out to see whether the Blaugrana could reach an agreement with Leeds, it now appears that the Brazil international will be joining the Camp Nou.
Tuchel will be aware that there was always a chance of losing Raphinha, with Boehly putting a short deadline on the transaction in order to prevent being undercut by the Catalan giants.
And now, with the west London club unable to complete a signing under their new American owner, the German tactician may have to focus on other transfer targets this summer.
SportsDias looks at four prospective additions for the Blues this summer, as the club goes back to the drawing board.
Neymar
Only a few clubs in the world have the financial resources to pay Neymar’s wages, and Chelsea is one of them.
According to reports, the Brazilian superstar’s agency has contacted Stamford Bridge officials after learning of PSG’s plans to unload the world’s most expensive player, who cost £198 million to sign in 2017.
On his day, the 30-year-old is a class act, having scored 13 goals in 22 Ligue 1 outings last season.
However, injuries and his off-field activities have cast question on whether he would be a suitable addition to the Blues’ squad.
Chelsea attempted to get Neymar when he initially appeared on the scene with Santos in 2010, before he joined Barcelona three years later.
However, signing him now would be a major statement of commitment — and would provide Boehly with the star signing he has been looking for.
Raheem Sterling
Tuchel would have preferred to sign Raphinha, but the club’s interest in Raheem Sterling means that failing to sign the Brazilian would not be viewed as a major setback.
After the arrival of Erling Harland, the England star, 27, is weighing his options at Manchester City.
His contract at the Etihad expires next summer, and after seven years, he may be searching for a new challenge.
According to reports, Sterling has quizzed his Chelsea acquaintances about life at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues preparing a £45 million bid.
Tuchel is said to be a great fan of the pacy winger’s talents, therefore Tuchel’s interest in investigating a move may be enough to encourage the club to launch a concrete proposal.
Ousmane Dembele
The obvious benefit of Barcelona signing Raphinha for Chelsea is that Ousmane Dembele will likely leave the Camp Nou on a free transfer this summer.
Despite costing £107 million only five years ago, the Frenchman is yet to agree terms on a new contract with the Blaugrana.
Dembele’s compensation demands may be out of reach for Barcelona, which is experiencing wage cuts.
Chelsea, on the other hand, would have no trouble matching his reputed £250,000-a-week demands, especially because there would be no transfer involved.
The 25-year-old played with Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund and would no likely appreciate the opportunity to work with him again, however his injury record may cause the Blues to worry if he is signed.
Bukayo Saka
While there is no evidence that Chelsea is interested in Bukayo Saka, virtually every Premier League side would want to have this versatile and hardworking 20-year-old in their roster. And Tuchel is no exception.
Saka has 11 goals and seven assists in the Premier League last season, more than any other player under the age of 21 in Europe’s top five divisions.
Surprisingly, the England international is still only 20 years old and plays a key role in Arsenal’s roster.
However, the Gunners have yet to tie down the winger to a new contract at the Emirates, and his current contract — which includes a one-year extension option — is set to expire in 2024.
If Chelsea decides to make an approach, the club’s ability to guarantee Champions League football and silverware may be enough to entice Saka.
ALSO READ:
- Erik ten Hag told to rip up Man Utd transfer plan following Joel Glazer disagreement
- What Erik ten Hag told Manchester United squad after FA Cup final defeat to Man City
- Barcelona boss Xavi rules out Arsenal transfer following Edu admission
- Mauricio Pochettino tells Chelsea the first transfer he wants to make
- Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hit with Fordstam threat after takeover
- What Erling Haaland told Man City teammates after FA Cup final win over Manchester United
Chelsea alternatives if Barcelona hijacks Raphinha including key Arsenal man
