Transfer News: Chelsea earmark Rafael Leao and Serge Gnabry as potential alternatives for Raphinha
Chelsea are said to have identified AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry as potential alternatives as they look to miss out on Raphinha. This is according to The Guardian, which reports that Barcelona have secured the funds for the Leeds United star.
Leeds United had accepted the £55 million bid from Chelsea for Raphinha, but the Brazilian was reluctant to make a move to Stamford Bridge. His preference was to play at Camp Nou and it is looking very likely that he will get to live his dream. Barcelona has managed to land the 25-year-old despite their financial troubles.
This will come as a blow to Thomas Tuchel who has been tasked with revamping his squad ahead of next season. The German tactician had identified Raphinha as a suitable target, but that looks unlikely to happen. He has now identified two targets as alternatives after missing out on the Brazilian.
Leao had a fantastic last season with AC Milan in 2021/22. The Portuguese international was in fine form as he led the Italian giants to the Scudetto. The winger scored 11 goals and assisted another 10 in 34 league appearances, as Milan pipped Inter Milan to the league
His good form earned him the MVP Best Player award from Serie A. The Rossoneri are reluctant to sell their star boy and could demand around £100 million for the 23-year-old. Given his standing at the San Siro, it will not be an easy deal for Chelsea to pull off.
The other option on the table is Serge Gnabry. The German international will cost much less as he has only one year left in his current contract. The 26-year-old meant business as usual as he scored 14 and assisted six more in 34 league appearances to help Bayern lift their record tenth-successive league title. The former Arsenal forward could make a return back to the Premier League, but this time he would play for another London club.
Current options in the wing for Tuchel include Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech, with the Moroccan said to be in talks with AC Milan for a loan deal. Raheem Sterling is close to joining the Blues but Tuchel needs at least one more forward to have a squad competitive enough against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Blues are currently in the United States for their pre-season. Chelsea play their first game of the pre-season on July 17 against Club America. Tuchel will hope to have added at least one new face to the squad by then and hope for more to join.
More Chelsea News:
- Blow for Chelsea as Ousmane Dembele close to Barcelona contract renewal
- Transfer News: Barcelona submit improved bid for Chelsea target Raphinha
- Transfer News: Barcelona move for Cesar Azpilicueta not imminent
Chelsea will have to make new signings a bit quickly as the new season is fast approaching. Tuchel will be aware of this situation and will hope to have a squad ready before their first league game.