As far as transfer news goes, Chelsea's summer window should be quite a boring topic, right? Wrong! The sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich have caused the Blues to potentially lose out on prime targets such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Jules Kounde and could also cost them their defensive trio, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen.
Whilst it may take weeks to decipher exactly what is going on with Chelsea's initial transfer prospects, their newest eye candy could now end up in Spain. Not only have Barcelona made several attempts to lure Christensen and Azpilicueta away from the pride of London, they are now interested in Chelsea's latest target Raphinha. We cannot seem to catch a break without the Spaniards lurking right behind us to steal in.
I guess Thomas Tuchel's interest in Ousmane Dembele has a part to play in Barcelona's hunt for the Leeds forward. However, if we had to choose, surely the Brazilian comes out on top.
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Chelsea were rumoured to have had an initial bid for Raphinha rejected back in January this year. The winter transfer window was awfully quiet for the Blues, despite the multiple injuries in key areas and the clear need to sign a left-back. Chelsea remained quiet for the duration of the window, however, their secrets are now coming to light. Leeds rejected a £40million bid from Chelsea for their star forward, even though this is around the price that they have valued him. With this information coming to light, it's rather coincidental that Barcelona are rumoured to have made a £42million offer for the Brazilian.
According to Sport, Barcelona had their initial offer of £29million declined by Leeds before raising their offer. As Chelsea's hands remain tied, I do hope that Raphinha's signature remains on hold. The Blues and Thomas Tuchel will need to assess their priorities here. Ousmane Dembele will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Raphinha could be his replacement if Chelsea wish to go for him. Or should the Blues put all their money out for Raphinha?
Ousmane Dembele
As France's famous World Cup triumph song translates: 'I no longer know if I am a lefty or a righty, I shoot with both feet: Ousmane Dembele!' Dembele is a phenomenal talent with the rare gift of being a two-footed genius.
Comfortable on either wing with either foot, you cannot question his ability. What you can question though, is his fitness. I feel for Chelsea's medical team this season. The number of injuries has kept them busy all season. Adding another injury-prone forward to the mix is just asking for a disaster.
Since transferring in 2016, Dembele has missed 102 matches due to injury. Thinking about it in comparison to Christian Pulisic who has missed 61 in the same amount of time, that is quite bizarre. Unsure as to whether a change in medical team could do the trick for the Frenchman, why should Chelsea take the risk when they could easily put forward an offer suitable enough to land Raphinha?
Raphinha
As Barcelona look to take a couple of Chelsea's prize assets in Azpilicueta and Christensen, why not disrupt their business also? It's time to put the gloves on and enter the ring with the Catalans. Enough is enough! Raphinha has the attention of top Premier League clubs including Manchester United. There's a reason why he has caught the eye of so many. He's a phenomenal trickster of a player. Given the right team around him, it's not an overstatement to say that he could become one of the best in Europe.
The Brazilian is the stand-out in the Leeds set up and has been since their entrance into the Premier League in 2020. The 25-year-old is yet to reach his peak. I can only imagine what a manager like Thomas Tuchel will be capable of bringing out of him.
I guess only time will tell if we get to find out.
Having either Dembele. or Raphinha is not a bad way to go. I would actually be happy with either signing funny enough. Barcelona could lose out to Chelsea one way or the other. The Catalans can take three players from the Blues, Christensen, Azpilicueta and Raphinha. In an ideal world, the Blues would sign both forwards this summer and close this chapter completely.
