Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer, with the Brazilian potentially replacing out-of-favour Hakim Ziyech. The Blues missed out on Raphinha to Barcelona last summer, but have now reignited their interest in the forward.
Despite splashing out on a number of new players, Chelsea are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, having scored just 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures so far this season. Raphinha, who scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists during his two-year spell at Leeds United, could be the solution to Chelsea’s attacking woes.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form during his debut season in La Liga, producing six goals and four assists in 27 appearances, with a WhoScored average rating of 7.02. These stats are more impressive than any of the attackers currently in the Chelsea squad.
As a left-footed right-winger, Raphinha would be a natural replacement for Ziyech, who has struggled for form since joining Chelsea from Ajax. The Morocco international has scored no goals and provided just one assist in his 14 Premier League appearances this season, with a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.44.
If the rumours are true and Chelsea do bring in Raphinha this summer, it could spell the end of Ziyech’s underwhelming spell at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian has been described as a “magician” by former teammate Daniel James and his ability to score and create goals could be just what Chelsea need to push on in the coming seasons.
