Chelsea tried to sign Raphinha before he joined Barcelona from Leeds United last summer.
The winger has enjoyed his debut season in Spain, managing 10 goals and 11 assists from 45 games.
Journalist Rubén Uría, writing for the last page of today’s Sport, states Chelsea are back in the mix for the 26-year-old. In fact, he says the Blues are ‘on pole’ to secure his services.
Even though the La Liga side are pleased with his performances this season, the exit door will be opened for him in the next window. They would sanction the player’s sale if they were to receive an offer of around €80m.
This is also highlighted on the front page of Sport, where Chelsea have been named as one of his suitors.
It’s claimed the west London club and Newcastle United have entered the bidding and want to ‘open formal negotiations immediately’ to sign the South American. Both the Catalan club and the player aim to get the ‘maximum possible economic return’ from the negotiations.
Barca are ‘obliged to sell’ to register a few of their current players’ renewals and also to make new signings. Raphinha’s sale may be ‘essential’ to help them for the new project.
Sport state the attacker’s departure to the Premier League is ‘on track’, where Chelsea are ‘on pole’ to acquire his signature in the summer.
The two reports don’t make it clear if the Blues are willing to meet Barcelona’s €80m request for the Brazilian, but they have moved in to bid for him.
