Chelsea Football Club is on the verge of securing their first major signing under new ownership, with Brazilian talent Raphinha poised to join their ranks. This transfer is set to cost chairman Todd Boehly a substantial £55 million fee, marking a significant investment for the club. The negotiations between Chelsea and Leeds United, where Raphinha currently plays, progressed swiftly as both parties reached an agreement on the full asking price.
Despite interest from other clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Tottenham, and Newcastle, Chelsea’s determination, especially under the leadership of manager Thomas Tuchel, played a pivotal role in securing Raphinha’s signature. The 25-year-old winger expressed his desire to leave Elland Road, with a preference for a move to Barcelona initially. However, Barcelona’s financial constraints opened the door for Chelsea to make a compelling offer.
The official announcement of this deal is anticipated within the next 48 hours, signifying Chelsea’s proactive approach in the transfer market following Todd Boehly’s monumental £4.25 billion takeover of the club. This move contrasts with Chelsea’s earlier actions this summer, which mainly involved the departure of players like Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.
Before the transfer is finalized, Raphinha must agree to personal terms with Chelsea, a standard procedure in such high-profile signings. His performances last season for Leeds United were notable, contributing 11 goals and three assists in the Premier League. One of his memorable moments was scoring against Chelsea in a 3-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge in December, showcasing his talent on a big stage.
In a related development, Chelsea is also eyeing Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling as another potential acquisition. Manchester City has informed Sterling that they will consider bids for him, despite their preference to retain the player. Chelsea is reportedly preparing a bid of £50 million for the 27-year-old winger, who is keen on a move to London.
Sterling’s contract situation adds complexity to the negotiations, as he has one year remaining on his current deal with Manchester City. Concerns about playing time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar have motivated Sterling to explore other options. The potential acquisition of Sterling would be a significant statement for Chelsea under Todd Boehly’s ownership, showcasing their ambition to strengthen the squad and compete at the highest levels of football.