Chelsea Handed Transfer Boost As Leeds Star Prefers Stamford Bridge Move Over Arsenal & Tottenham

Chelsea are the second preferred destination for Leeds United star Raphinha this summer, according to reports.

The 25-year-old is looking increasingly like departing Elland Road this summer, with several sides linked.

Arsenal appear to be the current favourites, sending a formal offer to Jesse Marsch’s side for the Brazilian.

Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all also been linked with a move for the winger. 

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

The Blues’ scouts identified the talent as a potential transfer target when looking at Edouard Mendy, who signed back in 2020.

Chelsea could reignite their interest in the forward, with the Blues prepared to listen to offers for Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic this summer.

With Romelu Lukaku set to return to Inter Milan on loan, Chelsea will more than likely dip into the transfer market for forwards in the window.

Raphinha in action for Leeds United. (Alamy)

Last season, Tuchel acknowledged that he may be forced to make changes to the attack this summer. 

Frustrated with Chelsea’s attacking output, he admitted: “If we stick to the group then we will try to solve it with these players. 

“Is it necessary to bring more offensive players around the box to create more distractions, to create more space for each other? We will ask that question. Can we do better in the structure? Can we push the players more? Did we rotate too much? Let’s see.

“There are a lot of options. The numbers we produce from our offensive players don’t allow us to over-perform and we need over-performance if we want to be nearer to the top two teams. 

“I am not pointing fingers, I am not blaming anybody, but we need over-performance from everybody. It’s not over-performance if we have only single figures in scoring and assisting.”

Chelsea have been handed a boost in any potential deal for Raphinha as the Athletic reports that moving to Stamford Bridge would be his second priority this summer.

Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested in Raphinha (Alamy)

Barcelona remain Raphinha’s first option but that transfer is complicated due to the financial problems at the Camp Nou.

Therefore, Raphinha would be interested in joining Chelsea ahead of Tottenham and Arsenal.

He is said to be attracted to the chance of playing Champions League football and the better opportunity of winning major trophies under Tuchel.

Arsenal are the next option, with Tottenham being the Brazilian’s final choice, despite Spurs not targeting him as their main target this summer.

It remains to be seen as to whether the 25-year-old will depart this summer.

However, if he is, Chelsea could sniff around if they are looking for forward options.