Thomas Tuchel has already done as much as he can to convince Raphinha to join Chelsea if Todd Boehly sanctions a £65million bid. And the west Londoners hold a major advantage over both Arsenal and Tottenham if the new Blues owner was to make a big-money move for the Brazilian.
The Leeds United winger had been close to extending his stay at Elland Road early on in the 2021/22 campaign, according to The Athletic. But his ambitions to play European football of some format have led to the Whites becoming resigned in their position and efforts in trying to keep their star player. Consequently, knowing that the 25-year-old is on the market has sparked quite a transfer frenzy amongst the Premier League clubs in London. Arsenal have so far had their first bid rejected for Leeds' number 10 whilst Tottenham and Antonio Conte are currently in the process of delivering their bid, if the latest Italian reports are to be believed.
For Chelsea, they have enquired about the availability of a player who has the Blues down as his second preference behind the cash-strapped Barcelona but it seems as though their intentions are elsewhere with Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembélé currently topping the incoming agenda for the club. However, the latest blow with Dembele could mean that Raphinha comes back onto the list of players being seriously considered by the west Londoners and amid the news that they have already been told that £65million would be required for them to trump Arsenal and Spurs in this transfer race, anything is possible.
READ MORE: Raphinha makes summer transfer decision as Chelsea handed £50m advantage over Arsenal
Not only are Chelsea the preferred Premier League destination of Raphinha, but Tuchel has already had the chance to speak directly to the winger. Tuchel was spotted chatting to the Brazilian forward way back in December 2021 after Chelsea's late 3-2 win over Marcelo Bielsa's side. And that could have proved significant in making the 25-year-old realise that SW6 is where he wants to be.
Thiago Silva has already put in a good word for the Premier League proven goalscorer who could turn out to be Chelsea's next Willian but Tuchel will ultimately have the final say on whether he fits in with the system or not. Whether or not the conversation between the pair has any bearing on Chelsea ultimately winning this transfer race remains to be seen but it could still be significant nevertheless.
Chelsea fans - if you could only sign two out of those three players; Raheem Sterling, Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha, who would you choose and why? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section!
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