Chelsea missed out on signing Raphinha to Barcelona back in the summer transfer window and now are set on reigniting transfer interest in Barcelona star at the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.
The forward was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge back in the summer.
Chelsea had hoped to acquire Raphinha back in the summer, at a time where Thomas Tuchel was looking to bring the player in. However, they missed out in the end with the Brazil international always preferring to move to Barcelona instead.
He’s since endured a slow start to life at the Nou Camp, however, blowing hot and cold and often struggling to oust Ousmane Dembele from Xavi’s XI.
According to Sport, Chelsea ‘love’ Raphinha and ‘do not forget’ about the former Leeds star as they plan for a brighter future. But any deal for the forward won’t be done on deadline day, with the Blues eyeing a summer swoop instead.
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Chelsea are said to be convinced they made a mistake by failing to land Raphinha, regardless of his form over in Catalonia.
From London, they reportedly believe their main problem is in the offensive positions – despite many fans bemoaning their lack of quality in midfield.
And Chelsea will ‘throw the bait’ at Barcelona next summer, aware of the La Liga titans’ need to balance their finances.
Whether that happens remains to be seen. Much may depend on Graham Potter seeing out the season or not.
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