Chelsea could finally land their very own Riyad Mahrez this summer in light of Liverpool's January transfer activity.
Raphinha, who has been compared to the Algerian forward, was subject to interest from Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp ahead of the January transfer window, according to transfer specialist Gianluigi Longari.
However, Liverpool soon switched their attention to Luis Diaz, who soon arrived at Anfield in a deal worth around just £50m, including add-ons, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Raphinha ended up staying at Leeds United, but the rumours surrounding his future persisted, seemingly leaving the door open for Chelsea to swoop in and engineer a deal.
So, Daniel Childs and Scott Clayton spoke live on the Carefree Chelsea 'Marina's Notebook' show to delve into the prospect of the Blues' long-term target finally walking through the doors of Stamford Bridge this summer.
Clayton began by outlining his admiration for the Brazil international that's currently valued at £36m by Transfermarkt before explaining how the 25-year-old exudes a similar aura to Mahrez.
"I really do like him, I really do," he said. "He can create something out of nothing, and he reminds me of - I'm not saying he's the same type of player but - Mahrez when he was at Leicester.
"A top player that just shines, and you know he could easily do it at a top club like he is at Man City now."
Clayton added by explaining how Raphinha always offers Leeds a lifeline, an X-factor that proves pivotal for Marcelo Bielsa's side as Leeds approaches a difficult run of games.
"Leeds have got some really tough fixtures coming up, they've got United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Leicester City, but you still look at those games and think he could be somebody who can do something," he said.
"That's what Chelsea lack at times, somebody who can really take a game by the scruff of the neck in a tough tie."
Clayton then credited Hakim Ziyech for a similar aura he offers but stressed the importance of Chelsea getting a deal for Raphinha over the line.
"I think Ziyech is that type of player, and he's been showing that, but Raphinha is a very good player, and I understand why Chelsea, like other top clubs, would be keeping a very close eye on him," he said.
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