Chelsea did all they could. They had agreed a £55m fee with Leeds United, they had likely proposed reasonable terms, but in the end Raphinha wanted Barcelona.
Why he wants a club whose finances are collapsing as assets are sold off weekly and magic levers are pulled? Only he will know. And given the madness at the Camp Nou, the Brazillian might be available again very soon. Nine times out of ten when you agree on a fee, you likely sign the player. Todd Boehly made a move but it wasn't enough.
Chelsea must look forward, not only with priorities lying elsewhere to improve the defence for Thomas Tuchel but also because the Blues have other attacking paths to go down this summer.
