It's been a frustrating start to the summer transfer window for Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel has already seen his side lose key senior players without compensation, and any chance of conducting early business was halted due to their sanctions amidst the dramatic sale of the club.
This means that with under one month until the Premier League season kicks off, the Blues are yet to add to their squad, although football.london understands that Raheem Sterling is all but an announcement away from being officially unveiled as a Chelsea player.
The lack of patience at Todd Boehly's best efforts as interim sporting director has been vocal, and fans at Stamford Bridge have been given another reason to vent anger on social media. One of Tuchel's top attacking targets has seemingly chosen Barcelona over the Londoners, adding to the Catalan club's growing impact on Chelsea's own summer decisions.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel handed four instant Raphinha Chelsea alternatives after £55m transfer blow
Outside of picking up Andreas Christensen on a free transfer and holding interest in club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, Xavi's side also hold the key to several other Blues signings. Chelsea have fought tooth and nail to pick up Ousmane Dembele, but it appears that is to no avail, with the Frenchman set to agree to a 40% wage deduction to stay on at Camp Nou.
Frenkie De Jong has also been linked with Chelsea, but any deal for him would be complex and long winded. To make matters worse, as Chelsea stall over deals, Jules Kounde's head could reportedly be turned towards Barcelona as well.
All of this, and we haven't even reached the tip of the iceberg.
The straw to break the camel's back has finally come. Chelsea had agreed a £55million deal with Leeds United for Raphinha, the personal terms would likely have followed swiftly. The Blues had beaten fierce London rivals Arsenal to the signing of a standout player, the songs were written, excitement was rife.
Two weeks later and the Brazilian has chosen Barcelona, of course. It was apparently his dream - who can blame him? A team without Lionel Messi or Neymar, now entertaining Martin Braithwaite and unable to remove Samuel Umtiti from its grips, is still apparently more attractive than a club that won the Champions League less than 15 months ago.
It is understandable for Chelsea to be annoyed, but they can't turn Raphinha's head anymore. All of this appears fine with fans though, as attention has turned to another dynamic winger. This time, Serge Gnabry is the name on the lips of Blues fans, and they seem to have found their desired alternative to Raphinha already.
With reports that Chelsea met with Gnabry's agents recently, talk of a possible transfer is heating up.
Here is the fan reaction from Twitter:
@icee_y19: A front three of sterling, havertz and gnabry is gonna shake the premier league.... Flexibility of the highest order!
@Mas_CFC: Gnabry is insane . Would cook at Chelsea definitely
@CFCJMK: Sterling right gnabry left oh my days I have a dreaaaam
@take_vhiz_deek: Since we've missed out on Raphinha and Dembele I guess this Leeds us to Sane and Gnabry. They're pretty good alternatives and cost efficient btw
@AthulRamachand8: Only realistic option Chelsea has is Gnabry, but still he's not the creator Raphinha is
@CFC_Ex3: we were so committed to the raphina situation who in my opinion isn’t even that amazing. He’s a good player but doesn’t excite me like a signing of gnabry or leao would
@DavidBranchCFC: Gnabry’s contract has 12 months to run, if you’re serious turn the attention there
@OgheneElviis: Chelsea should just forget Raphina and sign Gnabry.
@OneHumanGOAT: a German trio of Kai Werner and Gnabry wud be amazing to watch
@AdityaArifR: Hope Chelsea buy serge gnabry
@futball_chelsea: Gnabry should tick all the boxes unless TT prefers a left footed player
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