Raphinha rejects Chelsea move despite €70m agreement

James Shearman

Updated: 1 Jul 2022 11:58 BST
4 min read

Chelsea have suffered a major blow in the race to sign Raphinha, as the Leeds star has informed his agent that he does not wish to sign for the west London club.

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Raphinha has always preferred a move to Barcelona, though their financial trouble opened the door for Arsenal and Chelsea to make a move.

The Gunners looked the most likely to sign the Brazilian at one point but they, too, failed to match Leeds' €70 million asking price.

As for Chelsea, FootballTransfers were the first to report the club's targeting of Raphinha, and have since learned that Leeds accepted a bid worth more than €63 million (£55m).

The Blues have also offered Raphinha a five-year deal worth €7m (£6m) net per season, FootballTransfers understands.

The Brazilian, however, has little interest in signing for Thomas Tuchel's side as long as a move to Barcelona is a possibility.

He has even told his agent, former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco, to let the Blues know of his desire to go to La Liga, according to Sport.

This is a real disappointment for Chelsea, who were looking to make Raphinha their first signing of the post-Roman Abramovich era.

The Blues' offer to Leeds remains the highest, though, and the Whites are not willing to lower their asking price to compensate for Barca's financial situation.

Should Barcelona not be able to complete a deal, here is how Chelsea could look with Raphinha in their side.

How Chelsea could line up with Raphinha

Chelsea with Raphinha & Sterling — © ProShots

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.

According to GOAL Brazil, Raphinha and Leeds are wrestling behind the scenes, Raphinha indicated he would open talks with Chelsea but then backed down and pushed for Barcelona move.
— Pys (@CFCPys) June 30, 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.