Chelsea Hold Interest In Leeds United's Raphinha And Working On Ousmane Dembele Transfer

Chelsea hold an interest in Leeds United star Raphinha but are currently working on a deal for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, according to reports.

The Blues are set to undergo a summer rebuild under head coach Thomas Tuchel, with several first team players set to leave as others arrive.

Chelsea have followed Raphinha since his time at Rennes and could look to make a move for him this summer.

Although, a deal for Dembele looks to be edging closer as the French international could move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.

Tuchel is said to be ‘crucial’ to any potential deal as Dembele’s contract in Spain comes to its conclusion at the end of June.

Chelsea were linked with the Barcelona forward in January, but Tuchel squashed all speculation, with it appearing that a summer move is more likely: "I did not have contact with Ousmane. There was no contact in winter."

Ousmane Dembele in action during the Uefa Europa League match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Camp Nou Stadium.

However, he continued to praise the winger, who now appears to be Chelsea-bound.

“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,” he added.

Adam Crafton of the Athletic has now reported that Chelsea also hold an interest in another talented forward, Raphinha of Leeds United.

However, his deal to Chelsea is made complicated due to the fact that the Blues are pursuing a move for Dembele.

If Leeds were relegated, it was widely reported that Raphinha would have a release clause of £25 million, a steal for a player of his quality.

Raphinha celbrating scoring for Leeds United. (Alamy)

Jesse Marsch’s men stayed up on the final day of the season, however, and therefore his release clause does not decrease in value.

With Chelsea interested in the Brazilian, alongside Dembele, several first team players could depart, most likely one of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech or Timo Werner, with the club willing to listen to offers for all three attackers. 

It remains to be seen as to whether there will be interest for the forwards, and if Chelsea would then turn their attention to Raphinha alongside Dembele ahead of a new era at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Performance and Technical Advisor, Petr Cech, is expecting a busy summer ahead as he admitted: “It will be (a busy summer for Chelsea following new owners' arrival). Of course we plan, prepare, and be as strong as we can next season.”