Arsenal look to have been dealt a blow on the Raphinha front this week.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian of late, and did appear to have the advantage in the race for his signature due to FC Barcelona’s financial woes.
However, it now appears as though the north Londoners will face stiff competition from the South American.
As per the Telegraph, Chelsea are giving serious consideration to rivalling Arsenal’s bid to sign Raphinha and adding the Leeds United star to a £100million new-look attack with Raheem Sterling.
The Blues, who have already opened talks with Sterling, are eager to add another attacker to Thomas Tuchel’s squad. And whilst there is interest in Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona and Everton’s Richarlison, Raphinha is said to be emerging as an increasingly realistic target.
Raphinha is valued at £65million by the Peacocks, who also look set to lose Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City this summer.
Chelsea eye Ake return
Elsewhere, the report from the Telegraph states that Chelsea are optimistic of finding an agreement to re-sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City, with the central defender open to the prospect of a return to Stamford Bridge.
Talks have been held between the two clubs and, although no fee has been agreed, there is a feeling of positivity that a deal can be struck for the 27-year-old.
Said move would, in theory, replace Antonio Rudiger, who spent 2021/22 as Chelsea’s left-sided centre-back in a three – though there is a case to be made that the Dutchman is not up to the standards of now Real Madrid star Rudiger.
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