Arsenal Technical Director Edu has revealed the reason why Chelsea wasted their time in pursuing a deal for Raphinha before the winger signed for Barcelona.
Thomas Tuchel’s side agreed a £55 million deal with Leeds United for the Brazilian but two weeks passed since their bid was accepted before Raphinha joined Barcelona instead.
The Blues could be about to see a repeat of Barcelona’s hijacking as the La Liga club appear to be closing in on the swoop of Jules Kounde.
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Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old for several months, but it now appears that he would rather join Xavi’s side than move to Stamford Bridge.
This hands the Blues a huge blow as they are yet to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, having only brought in Kalidou Koulibaly in defence this summer.
Much of the transfer window has seen Chelsea in battle with Barcelona over potential targets, with Raphinha being the first.
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The Brazilian was said to have rejected approaches for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur before Chelsea saw their bid accepted by Leeds United.
However, Arsenal chief Edu has now revealed why the Gunners did not sign Raphinha.
His reasoning also provided insight into how Chelsea wasted two weeks of the summer transfer window chasing the winger, who had his heart firmly set on the Camp Nou.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Edu revealed: “With Raphinha, it was everywhere.
“It’s fair enough I had conversations with Deco, because Deco is his agent and I have a good relationship with him, we are friends.
“I said to Deco, ‘Deco, can you explain to me the situation with Raphinha?’
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“He was clear, he said ‘Edu, we have a good relationship. I am not going to lie to you. His idea is to go to Barcelona and we have talked to Barcelona since a long time ago.’ Okay, thank you very much.
“I said if something happened, let me know so I can explore the situation but if not no problem.”
It appears that Chelsea’s interim sporting director Todd Boehly did not have similar conversations as the Blues made their bid official.
Raphinha went on to join Barcelona as Chelsea are yet to sign an alternative in attack, with Raheem Sterling arriving previously.
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It remains to be seen as to whether they will dip into the market for another attacker this summer following the disappointment of Raphinha’s rejection, while Arsenal have focused on other targets ahead of the new season.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Raphinha, Arsenal, Barcelona, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms