English Premier League side Chelsea have been on a run of some incredible spending in the transfer windows that have followed the takeover by new owner Todd Boehly, and as the January window approaches, there is some strong speculation coming out on the rumour mill that they are tempted to make a move for Barcelona attacker, Raphinha.
Chelsea have been linked with the 26 year old Brazilian international previously, and having moved to Barca for a reported £55 million from Leeds United back in the summer of 2022, he did enjoy a good start to life at the club, but more recently he has slipped down the pecking order and has only made 11 appearances across the 2023/24 campaign so far (276 minutes in La Liga).
For fans who like a flutter, Raphinha’s recent form and reduced appearances wouldn’t have made him a top target to place a bet on, even with a VIP 888bet welcome bonus to get you on your way. However, it is clear he has a talent, so it would take a brave man to bet against him bouncing back and making a bigger mark in La Liga at some stage. Form, as they say, is temporary, class is permanent.
That in itself has led to speculation that the club would be willing to cut their losses on him in the very near future, if their valuation – suggested to be in the region of £61 million – were to be met.
Many clubs would baulk at the kind of fee, despite Raphinha’s obvious talent and since making his breakthrough, he has impressed at every club he has been at. That kind of fee however, would now be considered quite economical from the standpoint of the Stamford Bridge outlet given the fees that have now been paying in recent windows.
New manager Mauricio Pochettino is slowly beginning to see his plans and hard work behind the scenes come to fruition, as whilst there has not been a dramatic change in their form since his summer arrival, performances are now beginning to improve and results are more consistently, and naturally, following as they have picked up two wins, with only one defeat, in their last five domestic games.
The only real question for Chelsea fans would be, do they have space offensively for someone like Raphinha? Raheem Sterling and Nicholas Jackson are in pretty reasonable goalscoring form, and the emergence of 21 year old Cole Palmer has been a blessing given how quickly he has taken to goal involvements.
Barcelona would naturally welcome additional interest if this speculation is true, and both Arsenal and Newcastle United have also been linked with the player in the past, so if Barca could somehow spark a three way transfer battle between those Premier League clubs, it would not only likely guarantee that they would reach their valuation – but most likely, make a few extra million on top.
It all seems to depend on whether or not, he can work his way back into the first time over the next month and a bit.
See More:
- Xavi considers Raphinha complete footballer & speaks on Vitor Roque
- Xavi keen on holding Raphinha back who’s already on Newcastle and Chelsea’s transfer target list
