According to Record, as quoted by Football.London, Chelsea are keen on securing the services of Sporting CP’s Raphinha.
Chelsea’s scouts were in attendance during his side’s 2-1 win over Portimonense, when the Brazilian star scored the opener.
However, the club could face stiff competition from EPL rivals Leicester City, who were also monitoring the winger.
He initially moved to Sporting CP from Vitoria Guimaraes SC the previous summer in a €6.5 million deal.
The South American was coming on the back of a successful 2017/18 term that saw him bag 15 goals in 32 games in the Liga NOS.
Raphinha failed to replicate his displays at Sporting, however, scoring only four goals and picking up four assists.
But, it is fair to point out that the 22-year-old Brazilian wasn’t a first-team regular, getting only 16 starts and mustering just over 1,500 minutes of Liga NOS football.
He also suffered an injury that kept the player out for almost two months. That being said, the ex-Avai ace has started this season on a positive note, having netted two goals in three matches.
So it is needless to say that he is going to become a vital component in the Sporting CP attack this campaign.
He has already shown that he is capable of emerging as one of the Portuguese top-flight’s best wingers.
Raphinha also has the skillset and talent to become a top-class player. However, a lot will depend on how he performs with the Lions this season.
As for Frank Lampard’s side, the club are in desperate need of reinforcements in the attacking area. And the football experts and fans can expect the Blues to go big next summer.
But, even if Raphinha excels this campaign, it would perhaps be wiser for the English manager to invest in a more proven and experienced star.