Chelsea have joined Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Leeds United star Raphinha, according to reports.
The Brazilian played a starring role for his side as they narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
Thomas Tuchel is set to rebuild his attack, with Romelu Lukaku heavily linked with a return to Inter Milan in the coming days.
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Late on Sunday night, reports out of Italy confirmed Zhang gave his approval to Chelsea’s financial demands, putting a deal on the verge of completion.
Negotiations, which has seen co-controlling Chelsea owner Todd Boehly play an instrumental part, have continued as the Blues granted Lukaku’s wishes of a Stamford Bridge exit.
The Blues are looking to move the Belgian as soon as possible, with Tuchel targeting a rebuild of his attacking options in the summer transfer window.
Manchester City and England’s Raheem Sterling is a ‘major target’ for Chelsea this summer, as Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona is also a target.
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The winger is reportedly ‘ready to join’ Tuchel’s side once his Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.
However, it appears that the Blues could look to sign Raphinha as an alternative this window.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have been in contact with the Brazilian over a potential move.
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It was previously revealed that Chelsea have been watching the winger since his time at Rennes.
Chelsea scouts were sent to eye up Edouard Mendy but the silky forward caught their eye too.
Romano has now stated that despite Barcelona agreeing personal terms for the Brazilian, Arsenal are also in direct contact.
Chelsea and Tottenham have joined the race, too, making contact with the winger.
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A deal would be worth around €65 to €75M but it remains to be seen if the Blues are willing to meet this valuation.
Tuchel wants his Chelsea side to compete with Man City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League but is fully aware that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United could join the race after what could prove to be a difficult transfer window.
He said: "It will be a super tough race.
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"Manchester United will be in the race and Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure.
"We want to stay in the race and Liverpool and Man City do everything to make their squads bigger and they set the standard so high. This is the challenge in which we compete."
It remains to be seen as to who the Blues will add this summer, having to compete with their rivals to make signings in key areas.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Football, Raphinha, Arsenal, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United
Nick Emms