Chelsea must hold firm in their demands for Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta during the transfer window amid interest from Barcelona and look to give Barcelona a taste of their own medicine this summer.
As things stand, the Blues are to be handed a transfer blow from the Catalan side as Raphinha looks set to turn down a move from Leeds United to Stamford Bridge.
It now looks like the Brazilian is set to sign for Barcelona, preferring a move to the Camp Nou over a transfer to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
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Deco, the player’s agent, has been in Barcelona to negotiate a way to secure the transfer, handing Chelsea a blow.
The Blues will not only miss out on the player, but also valuable time as this was wasted negotiating for a player who had no intention of joining.
With Barcelona convincing Raphinha to sign for them ahead of the Blues, Tuchel’s side should not do the Spanish side any favours in the transfer window.
The move for Raphinha is not the only blow that Barcelona have handed Chelsea this summer.
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The Blues were thought to be leading the race for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, but now Barcelona appear to be in the ascendancy.
Reports in Spain stated that Barcelona want to settle a deal for the Chelsea target €45 million, much less than Chelsea were looking to sign him for.
They are waiting for Sevilla to accept these terms so that talks can continue.
Chelsea were locked in negotiations with Sevilla for months as they looked to bring Kounde to Stamford Bridge last season before being priced out of a move.
Negotiations over the last days were unsuccessful for Chelsea as Barcelona could hand them a double blow this summer, taking both Raphinha and Kounde and leaving Tuchel’s side behind in the transfer window.
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It does not stop there for Chelsea in terms of Barcelona affecting their squad.
Andreas Christensen is set for a move to the Camp Nou after being named on Chelsea’s release list.
Tuchel wanted the defender to stay at the club and it looked like an extension was all but agreed last year.
However, the Dane had a sudden change of heart and refused to remain at Stamford Bridge.
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It is unclear as to why he made the decision that he did. but despite Chelsea’s best efforts, Christensen had his heart set on a move to Barcelona.
Therefore, it is time for Chelsea to give Barcelona a taste of their own medicine in the transfer window.
It was previously reported that Barcelona were hoping that Chelsea would let Alonso and Azpilicueta leave for a ‘very affordable price’ this summer.
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This should now not be considered at all.
Barcelona have shown in recent days that they have the funds required to make big signings, upsetting Chelsea by launching a bid for Raphinha.
If they wish to sign the Blues defenders, it is simple. Pay the asking price.
Chelsea should not be looking to do favours to a club who have done them none in recent history.
While the historic rivalry exists on the pitch after controversial clashes in the past, the latest transfer politics should increase this.
With Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s first summer at the club, Barcelona have not made it easy so why should the new owners be giving them hand-outs?
While it has been reported that both Azpilicueta and Alonso are keen on transfers to Barcelona and Chelsea do owe the pair for their service to the club, they should not be looking to hand shortcuts to their potential new side.
It should not stop here with Barcelona, though, as Chelsea now have the chance to act on their situation with Ousmane Dembele.
The winger has become a free agent, with Xavi’s side refusing to match his contract demands this summer.
It has been reported that Barcelona’s most recent offer to the Frenchman is 40 percent less than what he currently earns.
While Chelsea should not offer over the odds for Dembele, they have the financial power to put more money on the table than Barcelona.
With Raphinha looking like he is off to the Camp Nou, £55 million is available for a new right winger to enter and Dembele will not cost this, arriving on a free (with a signing on bonuses and wages to be discussed).
It is not just the case of signing Dembele to get one over Barcelona, but Tuchel is a huge fan of the 25-year-old.
"He is a very good player when he is in his top level. I am very fortunate to have trained him in my time at Dortmund. It was only one year, it should have been longer,” the German previously said when talking about his former player.
It has since been reported that Tuchel wishes to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Recent reports have revealed that Chelsea will look to move for him once he becomes a free agent, and this opportunity must be explored.
With Barcelona stealing Christensen from the Blues, it is time for Tuchel’s side to return the favour and take one of their most valuable assets this summer.
Speaking of valuable assets, it appears that Frenkie de Jong is also on his way out of Barcelona.
Chelsea were said to be monitoring his situation as Manchester United launched a bid.
While the sale of De Jong will aid Barcelona financially, Chelsea must also delve deeper into this move.
The Blues are in need of midfielders, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both having just one year remaining on their contract and Declan Rice looking unattainable this summer.
It was reported by French media that Tuchel was 'reduced to tears' when told that De Jong had decided to sign for Barcelona back in 2019, as he was targeting him at Paris Saint-Germain.
The transfer would just make sense this summer, with Tuchel a fan of the player and him becoming available.
The Dutch international will no doubt be an upgrade on the likes of Jorginho, being able to do everything that the Italian can as he seems the perfect fit for Tuchel's system.
Furthermore, he shares a strong relationship with Chelsea-linked Matthijs de Ligt, so why not allow them to rekindle their friendship at the Bridge?
It remains to be seen as to what business the Blues will do this summer, but one thing is for sure - they must not do Barcelona any favours, with the Catalan club showing that they have the financial power to rival Chelsea, so why let them weaken Tuchel’s squad by handing them Alonso and Azpilicueta for a discount?
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Thomas Tuchel, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie De Jong, Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Football