Chelsea Seek New Attacking Targets Following Raphinha Snub & Raheem Sterling Signing

Chelsea are said to be prepared to focus on new attacking targets after missing out on Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer.

The 25-year-old looks set for a move to Barcelona as the club are prepared to pay up to £63 million to Leeds for the Brazilian.

Chelsea had previously agreed a £55 million deal with Leeds over Raphinha, but the player preferred a move to Barcelona.

Raphinha held out to see if the Camp Nou side could afford to bring him to Spain this summer and after days of patience, Chelsea looked to have missed out on the right winger.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for Thomas Tuchel’s men, who reached an agreement with Man City over the signing of Sterling.

Leeds United's Raphinha during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park, London. (Alamy)

The 27-year-old will meet up with his new teammates in the United States this week for the pre-season camp as he looks to settle into the Chelsea squad.

It was reported that Raphinha was seen as a ‘bonus’ to the Blues, who were prioritising the signing of Sterling.

Sterling was said to be Tuchel’s number one target in the transfer window, with it looking like he will soon be officially confirmed as a Chelsea player.

However, it has now been reported by Nizaar Kinselle of The Evening Standard that Chelsea are ready to focus on new attacking options.

Despite signing Sterling in the coming days, the Blues will look at alternative targets to Raphinha.

The Blues have been offered Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is ready to leave Old Trafford this summer.

However, it remains unclear as to whether Chelsea will make a move for the Portugal star as they are said to be ‘lukewarm’ on the idea of signing the 37-year-old.

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski is also a long-term target but favours a move to Barcelona.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City holds off Malang Sarr of Chelsea during a Premier League match. (Alamy)

Kinsella continues to state that Tuchel will need to make room for any new arrivals, with Hakim Ziyech the most heavily linked with a departure.

Armando Broja could also depart this summer after a successful loan spell at Southampton.

Timo Werner could leave, with Chelsea open to offers for the German star as they look to rebuild their attack this summer.

It remains to be seen as to who Chelsea will target this summer after missing out on Raphinha, but Sterling looks unlikely to be the only attacking arrival at Stamford Bridge in the first transfer window under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership.