Despite all but completing a deal for English superstar Raheem Sterling, Chelsea remain keen on another winger, and according to several reputable sources, their main target for the right-hand side was Raphinha.
In fact, the likes of Fabrizio Romano and the Athletic reported that the London giants made a huge bid for the Brazilian, which Leeds accepted, but were unable to reach an agreement with the attacker due to his preference for Spanish giants Barcelona.
The consensus was that while the Blaugrana had an agreement with the Selecao sensation, only the Blues had the funds to meet Leeds' asking price. Unfortunately, this transfer saga hasn't ended well for Thomas Tuchel's side.
According to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports Golazo, the Catalan heavyweights have finally reached an agreement with Raphinha's Premier League employers, meaning Chelsea have all but lost the race for the former Sporting CP attacker.
Can confirm Leeds and Barcelona have finally reached an agreement this evening for Raphinha. My understanding is the €50 million + 10 fee is incorrect (Leeds rejected that offer quite some time ago) and the deal is actually worth close to €75 million.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 10, 2022
Barcelona's offer is believed to be in the region of €72-75 million, which translates to $73-76 million. While questions are being asked about Xavi's side and how they are able to fund this bid amid their financial troubles, Raphinha's move to the Camp Nou nears completion nonetheless.
Raphinha feels his move to Barcelona is "imminent". Final verbal proposal: €72m guaranteed, with all details included. Leeds, expected to accept once it will be official bid. #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022
Raphinha has been pushing with Leeds in the last 48h: he wants Barça, his biggest dream. pic.twitter.com/7V3m2M12zZ
However, Chelsea fans, despair not, as there have been some positive transfer updates regarding the Stamford Bridge side. It's no secret that Tuchel is in need of defensive reinforcement after the departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, with several talented center-backs being linked with the English giants.
One of those targets is Kalidou Koulibaly, the exceptional Senegalese defender who is entering the final year of his Napoli contract. As a result, his Serie A employers face a dilemma: cash in on him now or risk losing a talented player for nothing in 12 months.
According to Corriere dello Sport (as per the Sun), Chelsea are preparing to pay Napoli's asking price for the 2021 AFCON winner, which is said to be around $40M. Juventus have also been linked with a move due to the doubts surrounding De Ligt's future, but as reported by Gianluca DiMarzio a few days ago, Koulibaly prefers a move abroad if he were to leave Gli Azzurri. However, Barcelona are reportedly keen on him as well, meaning the Blues could be in for another transfer battle with the Spanish giants.
