Chelsea were one of a number of clubs who were turned down by Barcelona winger Raphinha during the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international was linked with an exit from Barcelona during the summer, as the Catalans sought to raise funds for new signings.
He struggled to nail down a regular role last season and Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams appeared to indicate his time with the club was running out. However, Raphinha instead turned down a transfer in favour of fighting for his place in the side and has started the season in superb form.
The 27-year-old has five goals and two assists in seven La Liga starts, justifying his decision to stay. Voted by his teammates as one of the club’s four captains in pre-season, he has impressed with his high-intensity running and goal threat during the opening week’s of Hansi Flick’s reign.
Spanish outlet Revelo have revealed that Chelsea were one of the teams turned down last summer, with the West Londoners reigniting their interest in the winger. Chelsea first made an approach to sign Raphinha before his £55m move from Leeds United to Barcelona in 2022.
The player rejected the chance to return to the Premier League, with Chelsea instead adding to their wide options with the arrivals of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.
Raphinha also rejected ‘huge offers’ from the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal snubbed in the summer window.
