Todd Boehly makes ‘direct phone call’ with Chelsea to hijack £65m Tottenham and Arsenal target
Chelsea, who are “definitely in the race” to sign a player, have received a “direct call” from Todd Boehly.
Todd Boehly, the new owner of Chelsea, is already pursuing a hands-on strategy to try to make a few signings this summer.
Boehly, who is now serving as the Chelsea chairman and temporary sporting director, is not messing around at this time. Due to the amount of work that needs to be done, he will likely be the busiest man in football during the summer transfer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s most recent Caught Offside piece, he has already put himself in the mix while making calls to try to sign players.
Boehly allegedly made a “direct call” to inquire about signing Raphinha, a winger for Leeds United, according to Romano.
However, this one is really tricky because the Brazilian wants to sign with Barcelona but they are unwilling to pay his asking price. Chelsea and Arsenal are both in the running to sign him, although Arsenal has also made a bid.
“The Raphinha situation is truly one of the craziest in recent years,” Romano writes in his column. “Barcelona have had an agreement with the Brazilian on personal terms since late February, but the idea of offering €40m is far from the demands of Leeds who want at least £65m.
“Arsenal have made a first offer turned down by Leeds, while Tottenham are preparing a proposal and Chelsea have explored the situation with a direct call from Todd Boehly.
“Raphinha had given his ok to Barcelona as a priority for months, but is now really open to listening to English clubs. The decision will take a few days.
“In my opinion, it would be nice to keep seeing him in the Premier League and there is a very good chance for that to happen: for example, I know that Arteta is really in love with Raphinha, but Tottenham and Chelsea are absolutely in the race.”