Will Chelsea finalise their winger option in upcoming window?
Chelsea have had their fair share of signings over the years which have been considered a risk, with some of those making more of an impact than others. The Blues added the likes of Cole Palmer to their squad over the summer, with the former Manchester City youngster catching the eye with some strong showings already during the 2023/24 season for the London-based side.
However, Chelsea have been inconsistent throughout this year’s league campaign, with Maurico Pochettino’s side sat tenth in the top-flight standings heading into the upcoming international break. It seems as though the Chelsea boss has half an eye on the upcoming transfer window, with it being reported in Spanish media that the Blues are eyeing a move for Barcelona winger, Raphinha.
The Brazilian-born winger only signed for Barcelona back in July 2022, and made a fast start to life with his new club, having scored ten goals, and been on hand to provide 12 assists for his Barcelona team-mates in his first season with the club. He’s been in and out of the starting XI for much of the 2023/24 season, which is seemingly heightening interest in clubs landing his signature in the near future, with Chelsea being one of the rumoured interested parties.
Raphinha is contracted with Barcelona until the end of the 2026/27 league campaign, and it remains to be seen as to whether they’re willing to entertain any offers for the winger, especially when he’s still involved in the matchday squad on a regular basis. The 26-year-old has experience of playing in the Premier League, having previously played for Leeds United in the top-flight, before making the move over to Spain after the club narrowly avoided relegation into the Championship, finishing 17th in the table.
Raphinha had a memorable final season in the Premier League with Leeds, having scored 11 goals and created three assists in his time with the Yorkshire-based side, before making the big-money move to Camp Nou. With his experience of playing in the Premier League, and performing to a high standard at this level, Chelsea’s potential signing of the Brazilian international wouldn’t come with an element of risk, which is certainly a positive.
Chelsea are set to take on Newcastle United in their next Premier League match, in what is certain to be a tricky test for the Blues. MyBettingSites have revealed to us that Pochettino’s side are priced at 17/10 to beat Eddie Howe’s men, in what seems like a tough ask, especially considering how strong a run of form the Magpies have been in for much of the 2023/24 season.
You’d like to think that Raphinha would be an upgrade on the likes of Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, and so it’s a deal that Chelsea should pursue heading towards the January transfer window. There will be doubts as to whether Barcelona could potentially price the winger out of a move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea haven’t been shy in stumping up a sizeable amount of funds for signings over the years, and they’d be foolish to turn down the opportunity to sign a player of Raphinha’s quality.
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