Chelsea are reportedly considering an alternative cut-price option to Raphinha as the saga surrounding the Leeds winger continues to rumble on.
As the only club to have had an offer accepted for the Brazilian, the Blues are still leading the charge. But Raphinha is continuing to hold out hope of his preferred option Barcelona matching the £60 million fee before next season.
Given the financial state of things at the La Liga giants, this remains unlikely although work is ongoing. Arsenal too have been strongly linked with Raphinha but are yet to have an offer accepted by the Yorkshire side.
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As such, Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet has emerged as a target according to The Athletic, although they state the Ivorian is only likely to become a serious target should they miss out on primary targets. Nevertheless, it is the first sign that Chelsea are considering alternatives to Raphinha since having their offer accepted.
Following Burnley's relegation to the Championship, a £17.5 million release clause has also become active in Cornet's contract. It has given a number of clubs a cut-price option in the summer and hand Thomas Tuchel the chance to sign a player who has dreamed of emulating his compatriot Drogba.
"I watched Chelsea a lot because my idol played there – Didier Drogba," Cornet said in an interview with Sky Sports shortly after signing for Burnley before their trip to Stamford Bridge last season. "He has done a lot for me. [He told me] I have to work hard in the week, recover and play hard again, every week."
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