How Chelsea could line up with Raphinha
James Shearman
- Updated: 29 Jun 2022 12:10 BST
- 4 min read
Leeds United winger Raphinha is in high demand, and Chelsea look as though they have beaten Arsenal, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign him.
Raphinha was always likely to attract interest this summer, registering 11 goals and three assists in a team that barely avoided relegation, and a move to Chelsea now looks imminent.
Leeds had told interested clubs that the Brazilian's asking price would be £60 million, and while the North London clubs were not prepared to meet that fee, Barcelona simply couldn't amid their current financial trouble.
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Chelsea, who are also in talks with Manchester City for winger Raheem Sterling, have made the only bid that satisfies Leeds' demands, and personal terms are the only thing left to be agreed.
Another boost to the Blues is that Raphinha's agent is Deco, the ex-Portugal international midfielder who won the domestic double with Chelsea in 2010, which should help with negotiations.
So, with a deal expected to be completed in the coming days, how could Chelsea line up with the 25-year-old?
How Chelsea could line up with Raphinha
In goal, Edouard Mendy should continue – he’s been a trusted figure under Thomas Tuchel, so there’s no reason to make a change this summer.
Defence is where the biggest changes will be seen, as Tuchel’s back three could change to a four as they rebuild following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Thiago Silva is still an excellent leader at the back and has plenty more to give, even at 37.
Trevoh Chalobah was trusted upon several times by Tuchel over the course of the 2021-22 season, so he is likely to receive more opportunities.
Though, the the Blues are expected to sign at least one centre-back in the transfer market, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Kalidou Koulibaly all heavily linked.
On either side of the defence, Reece James and Ben Chilwell – who is set to return after a long injury lay-off – should occupy the full-back spaces in this 4-3-3.
In midfield, N’Golo Kante could return to a holding role, which might suit him heading into the latter years of his career.
And Mateo Kovacic, who has been excellent in recent seasons, should accompany him.
Chelsea now in talks with Raphinha over personal terms, which are not expected to be an issue. Tuchel picking a front three from him, Sterling, Mount and Havertz is quite tasty.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) June 28, 2022
Mason Mount has been appreciated several times by Tuchel over the course of the German’s tenure, so he should continue in the team, perhaps in a deeper role to accommodate the talented front three.
Kai Havertz had a better second season at Stamford Bridge, and has been leading the line quite often for club and country, so that should be his position secured.
On the left, Raheem Sterling could be another new signing, with Chelsea reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the Manchester City attacker.
On the opposite flank, Raphinha could perform in his most natural role in this Chelsea side, creating chances for both Havertz and Sterling.
