Chelsea have reportedly hijacked Arsenal’s pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha, with the winger heading to the Blues for around £60 Million.
Despite the premier league clubs agreeing to a fee, talks are now ongoing through the player’s side as they look to agree on personal terms.
Arsenal were constantly linked with the winger and had their opening bid turned down by Leeds, allowing Chelsea to swoop in at the 11th hour. His other suitors, Barcelona, had been priced out of the deal despite having familiar ties with his agent, Deco.
Raphinha will be Todd Boehly’s first major signing since taking over Chelsea and reshaping it according to his own vision.
Leeds, meanwhile, seems to be accumulating capital to invest in other players having also dealt Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City.
The winger will not be Chelsea’s only signing as the club is still in contact with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Ousmane Dembele, and fellow Brazilian Richarlison.
Sterling wants to be a consistent starter on a team and sees Chelsea as a perfect place while Manchester City are reportedly happy to let the winger leave for around a £50 million mark, a figure similar to Gabriel Jesus.
Their arrivals will spell an end to the services of Chelsea’s already congested forward line. While Lukaku has returned to Inter Milan for one season at least, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, and Hakim Ziyech could be sold to make way for newer recruits.
