Thomas Tuchel has dropped a huge hint into his tactical strategy at Stamford Bridge next season amid Chelsea's increasing interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road this season and, while Arsenal are said to have led in the transfer race up until now, the Blues have reportedly been given the green light to reach a full agreement.
Raphinha, who has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted winger's lately, featured 35 times for Jesse Marsch's side in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards 14 goals. His impressive displays steered Leeds clear of relegation from the top-flight, securing the club at least an additional £40million windfall this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, had the Yorkshire-based club been relegated then a £25million release clause in the Brazil international's contract would have been activated. But, with Leeds evading the drop, they're now said to be demanding around £65million.
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As per The Athletic, Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee north of £55million with Leeds for Raphinha, but the deal isn't done yet. The report adds that the west Londoners are now best placed to acquire the winger's signature, with Todd Boehly eager to wrap up a deal in a swift fashion to 'avoid problems'.
It's emerged that long-term favourites Barcelona can't afford the winger as things stand, and Arsenal have struggled to meet the asking price. On the face of proceedings, it may seem as if the Blues have swooped in to hijack the Gunners' interest out of spite.
But, Tuchel's decision to land Raphinha hints at his tactical strategy for next season. According to The Analyst, the Brazilian was the hardest working player off the ball in the Premier League last season, with at least 500 minutes played and one off-ball run.
As depicted in the graph above, Raphinha earned a reputation for himself as the competition's leading, and most proactive, presser. This tactically-influenced tenacity is something that Tuchel has been desperately craving to see in his Chelsea side.
When the Blues faced Real Madrid in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge this season, Chelsea gifted the Spanish giants three huge opportunities - all as a result of deficiencies in counter-pressing structure and defensive application.
"It is about determination and investment defensively — how many sprints we are doing, how much do we invest defensively and do we have the determination and challenges to take care about, 'I don't need help to win these challenges' or 'Am I protected by the structure?'," Tuchel said in his post-match press conference.
"It is good if nothing happens and you are protected, but sometimes it gives you the feeling of 'Oh, OK, if I don't win it here, then it will be a goal'. Maybe we are lacking this mentality in the last matches. That is it, really. Every little challenge matters. We need higher determination and investment in terms of high-intensity runs against the ball. This is where we can improve."
Tuchel is eager is undergo a rebuild at Chelsea, with the Blues falling short by some distance in the race for the Premier League title. Despite finishing third, the west Londoners trailed behind Liverpool and Manchester City by some distance.
With several damning departures to contend with, too, the Chelsea boss is seemingly keen to see his ambitions matched by the club's new owners. And, since the American-led consortium spearheaded by Todd Boehly took the helm at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have looked poised to become one of Europe's most feared outfits in the summer transfer window.
The new ownership group, who agreed to a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club last month, are expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era in west London, according to the MailOnline. With Boehly eager to bolster Tuchel's armoury and hit the ground running, The Telegraph indicate that, after player sales are taken into account, the club is set to have £200million at its disposal to spend on new players - of which looks set to be set aside for Raphinha's arrival...
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