Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are all interested in signing Raphinha from Leeds United but according to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues might have a different priority.
The Italian has claimed that Arsenal and Spurs are still fighting it out for the Brazilian but even though Chelsea remain in the hunt, Thomas Tuchel is more inclined to sign Raheem Sterling.
Romano wrote on Twitter: “Arsenal and Tottenham are both still working on Raphinha. Barcelona, no fresh bid as of now. No one reached an agreement with Leeds yet, asking £65m fee, stronger after Kalvin deal.
“Next week can be crucial. Chelsea also called Leeds, but Sterling is top priority.”
Arsenal and Tottenham are both still working on Raphinha. Barcelona, no fresh bid as of now. No one reached an agreement with Leeds yet, asking £65m fee, stronger after Kalvin deal. 🚨🇧🇷 #LUFC
Next week can be crucial. Chelsea also called Leeds, but Sterling is top priority.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
Who will eventually be able to sign Raphinha?
Arsenal have already seen a bid rejected by Leeds United and some rumours have suggested that the Gunners have also made a second offer.
While this cannot be totally confirmed but Mikel Arteta’s side does have a slight advantage in this race because Raphinha will want regular playing time at his new club and Spurs cannot guarantee him that at the moment.
However, Spurs do have the lure of Champions League football meaning Raphinha will be able to play against Europe’s elites plus they also have a greater transfer budget than their North London rivals.
This one will be very tough to call but we think whichever side offers the more money is likely to get their hands on the winger.
Will Chelsea be able to sign Raheem Sterling?
Earlier this week the Daily Mail had reported that Chelsea are ready to launch a bid for Raphinha but it looks like they have changed their mind.
Raheem Sterling is a far more experienced player than the Leeds winger plus not a lot of clubs are seriously interested in signing him. While the Leeds man has played 67 games for Leeds since moving to England, Sterling has played already played close to 470 games for Man City and Liverpool combined.
He will want Champions League football and guarantee starts from whichever side that wants to sign him and Chelsea can be that ideal place because Thomas Tuchel is planning to sell both Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
Also, Sterling has only 12 months left on his current deal with Man City so, in reality, he could turn out to be a cheaper signing than Raphinha.
