With just personal terms to be thrashed out, Raphinha’s move from Leeds to Chelsea looks as good as a done deal, although the Rumour Mill notes with interest that his Mr 15% is a certain Deco. If the former Portugal midfielder is as contrary and argumentative at the negotiating table as he used to be on the football pitch, it could be a very long day in the Stamford Bridge boardroom.
Once Chelsea have announced Raphinha, interim director of football and club owner Todd Boehly’s thoughts will turn to the acquisition of a couple of new central defenders and the name of Mill regular Kalidou Koulibaly will be added to a mix that already includes those of Matthijs de Ligt, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Aké and Jules Koundé. One of those Serie A staples who is constantly linked with a move to the Premier League without ever showing much inclination to actually play in it, the Napoli stalwart is entering the last year of his contract.
