Fresh Chelsea transfer decision set to have major impact on Barcelona, Raphinha pursuit

Chelsea’s decision to back out of their pursuit of Ousmane Dembele will have a major impact on whether or not Barcelona can sign Raphinha.

Dembele’s future has looked to be in the air for a while. The winger is out of contract at Barcelona this summer, and a number of clubs have been linked with a move.

Chelsea have cropped up time after time, as they are reportedly keen on snaring the Frenchman.

While he has had troubles in his career, it appears he would be a solid acquisition for the English side. Dembele has scored two goals and provided 13 assists this season, despite missing a good chunk through injury.

However, the Blues may not be as keen as they initially seemed. In fact, Sport claims that Chelsea plan on backing out of their pursuit of the winger altogether.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are losing centre-backs Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers this summer. With two crucial defenders exiting the club, Chelsea will apparently prioritise signings in the defence.

That could have major consequences in Barcelona’s pursuit of Raphinha. La Blaugrana were hoping to complete the signing of the Brazilian following Dembele’s exit.

Mundo Deportivo reports that the signing of Raphinha is conditional, and ‘only if’ Dembele leaves would it be possible. As such, should Chelsea not sign Dembele, the deal could fall through.

There is reportedly still a chance that Dembele remains at Barcelona, despite his contract soon being up.

Barcelona likely want to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. It has seemed for months that they have had their hearts set on the signing of Raphinha, and will be keen on that still happening.

Financial issues hinder Barcelona in Raphinha pursuit

Barcelona’s financial woes have been well reported over the past year. It is those issues that mean the Raphinha transfer may now not go through.

The Spanish giants would reportedly not be able to afford the salaries of both Raphinha and Dembele.

What’s more, they will likely have to pay more money to Leeds United than they may have had to, should they land Raphinha, since the Whites stayed in the Premier League.

Indeed, it seems as if they may be out of luck in their pursuit of the Brazil star at present.

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