Fabrizio Romano’s telling Chelsea update regarding Raphinha

If you were not aware, which is unlikely in the age of instant media acknowledgement, the Chelsea Board has undergone major changes. Todd Boehly – front man of the Clearlake Capital consortium takeover – is now chairman of the CFC board. In addition, these are the other confirmed members of the board: Behdad Eghbali, José E. Feliciano, Mark Walter, Jonathan Goldstein, Hansjorg Wyss, Barbara Charone, Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE and James Pade. Furthermore, the West London club confirmed during the announcement that Marina Granovskaia will step down as the outfit’s director.

This week, Blues supporters appeared to at last receive some positive or tangible transfer news. This came from a trustworthy source, and at a time when much of the Chels’ faithful are becoming disillusioned with the new policy. Boehly is already being criticised on the distinctly tactless platform that is Twitter. The American billionaire hasn’t even had a chance to get anything wrong yet; intelligent fans understand the executive upheaval caused further problems with regard to recruitment. Nevertheless, the phrase now’s the time does still apply. Targets are going elsewhere as rival sides acquire particularly excellent players. Although, Nizaar Kinsella revealed a bid could arise for Jonathan Clauss this summer, following extensive scouting. Cover at rightback remains necessary.

Fabrizio Romano’s telling Chelsea update regarding Leeds United’s exciting player, Raphinha

Now let’s move on to evaluating some attacking targets of Thomas Tuchel. First of all, a domino effect is predicted when Romelu Lukaku finally leaves for Inter Milan on loan. The less said about that chapter, the better.

Essentially a renowned target man shall be needed to replace the striker. Not to mention four more forwards potentially being shipped out as well. Current CFC men mentioned as facing the chop included Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Armando Broja and Kenedy.

Ziyech and Broja may eventually be kept, though Hudson-Odoi and Kenedy might well be listed as unwanted. Should two or three of the aforementioned quartet be sold, two spaces open up for prospectively better or more influential names to be signed. Among the suspected suitable targets are Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling and Barcelona wingman Ousmane Dembele.

I have said on several occasions that capturing one of them would be a boost for the boss – getting the pair would be a coup. These are the types of players to shorten the calibre gap to Man City and Liverpool. The Londoners are also linked with a trio of standout Brazilians. Namely Everton star Richarlison, the Citizens’ Gabriel Jesus, along with Raphinha of Leeds United.

Senior Chels’ athletes are said to admire and endorse the Toffees man. And you can see why: Richarlison can affect any game positively. However, he can also become ineffective and lost in a match, whilst being careless in possession.

Meanwhile it seems as though Jesus will join Arsenal. Surely Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea were better options. Though the City hitman wants a guaranteed starring role. He may have been in the XI at Stamford Bridge, but that status is not an inevitability.

On Thursday, the most trusted football transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, provided a telling update regarding Blues interest in Raphinha. The winger is wanted by CFC, according to Romano. Intriguingly Boehly is said to have called Elland Road personally to explore the situation, implying serious interest.

Mikel Arteta is ‘in love with’ the idea of having the Brazil team member at Arsenal, so competition will materialise. I feel that Raphinha is an attractive option for Tuchel. If Ziyech does depart for whatever reason, the £65million price tag cannot be described as unreasonable for a contemporary alternative. A bid that is affordable within the £200m budget, which still prioritises centrebacks.