Chelsea identify Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips for potential double transfer

Welcome to Pride of London on this Sunday afternoon, at the time of writing. Domestic football has ceased so there are not really any local footballing updates to inform you of presently. Nevertheless, there is a thriving international scene at present, as the rather redundant Nations League begin group clashes once more. Senegal and Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy are now defending their Africa Cup of Nations title. They managed to beat Benin 3-1; unfortunately for Mendy, his clean sheet was taken away by a last minute consolation. On Tuesday the Senegalese meet Rwanda in their followup qualifying match.

Mason Mount played as a left-attacker for England, as the Three Lions disappointingly lost 1-0 to Hungary. Reece James emerged as a substitute around 60 minutes; sadly James was penalised for the penalty winner. Whereas, also in the NL, Timo Werner started and Kai Havertz came on via the bench for Germany as they drew 1-1 with Euro2020 champions Italy. Neither Emerson nor Jorginho were involved for the Italians. The next time supporters can see the West London outfit in action is approximately six weeks time, when the American Tour gets underway. On June 16, Chels‘ are welcomed to Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, to challenge Club America. Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium is subsequent to the initial friendly. Then English rivals Arsenal are contested at Camping World Stadium.

Chelsea target Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips for potential double transfer

Now, moving away from friendlies and nations, let’s have a look at some more possible switches to Stamford Bridge. And, needless to say, whether or not PoL consider the speculation genuine, if the prospective moves are feasible and if the athletes in question would benefit the Blues roster.

A potential double Leeds United swoop could be on the cards on Fulham Road, because CFC are said to be admirers of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. Phillips would naturally be an alternative to the overpriced but game-changing Declan Rice of West Ham United. Rice would be a wonderful addition at the Bridge, returning from his eight years as a youth with Chelsea.

Though an apparent price tag of £150million is scaring off possible suitors, in similar fashion to Tottenham Hotspur’s asset preserving with regard to Harry Kane. If you would appreciate my input on the Hammer, I’ll give it to you. Someone like Rice might eventually be the final piece of the jigsaw to facilitate closing the gap between Thomas Tuchel’s team, Manchester City and Liverpool. CFC can afford the highly-rated 23-year-old, yet there are other choices available at lower prices.

Tuchel may go for Leeds United defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, if transfer speculation is to be believed. Man City and Manchester United shall likely fight over Phillips, but he would be an inexpensive selection comparatively to the West Ham man; even as, relatively, low as £30m. Although, the Whites’ DM arguably would not be quite as influential or impactful as his fellow England partner could be at the Bridge.

Meanwhile, another Leeds man could be targeted by the capital club according to football.london. At the weekend, the outlet suggested Barcelona and Chelsea may perhaps battle for Raphinha’s signature this summer. The Brazilian is affordable for Todd Boehly’s outfit, but will cost up to £70m. I only see this one happening if a prominent winger departs, such as Hakim Ziyech.