Chelsea could drop their hopes of signing Raphinha and have identified Serge Gnabry as a viable alternative, while a report has detailed a complication in Hakim Ziyech’s move to AC Milan.
The Blues had a £ 55million north offer for Raphinha accepted by Leeds United two weeks ago. However, the Brazilian’s heart set out to join Barcelona, who entrenched themselves in the race to sign the superstar winger.
Chelsea’s inability to convince Raphinha to move to Stamford Bridge left the door open for Barcelona. On Sunday night, there was news of a much improved Barça verbal offer that complied with Leeds’ assessment.
It is understood that the whites have accepted the last offer and, except for late surprises, Raphinha is on his way to the Camp Nou.
Thomas Tuchel’s team has already reached a new end in the form of Raheem Sterling. However, it was believed that the Blues were hunting down two new additions to the edges.
Now, the Telegraph state that Chelsea will lose shortly before they can make a move for Serge Gnabry.
The 26-year-old Bayern Munich winger has only 12 months left on his current contract. Bayern have offered new terms, although Gnabry, at least for now, does not seem willing to accept them.
Bayern are very unlikely to allow Gnabry to leave for free in 12 months. That means a sale this summer could be on the cards if it’s written on the wall about an extension.
The Telegraph estimates that Gnabry could be available for just £ 34 million, given its contract status. Chelsea are described as “interested” in the German international who is regularly linked with a return to Arsenal.
Ziyech exit to increase the need for Gnabry
To Chelsea’s interest in Gnabry is added the possible departure of Hakim Ziyech.
The Moroccan is a specific target for AC Milan and the report notes that the two clubs are holding talks.
Ziyech’s departure would further increase the need for another new winger and Gnabry is the man Chelsea seems to have decided on amid his disappointment with Raphinha.
However, according to the report, Ziyech’s exit is far from easy.
This is because the two clubs are pushing for a different structure of agreement. Chelsea prefer a permanent sale, while the AC wants a loan with an obligation to buy.
Regardless, the inference of the report is that Ziyech agrees with the march and an agreement will be forged one way or another.
In fact, Ziyech recently broke up with his agent and hired the services of Roc Nation Sports. This particular team was also involved in bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Inter Milan in June.
Bayern is a good alternative
The plan if Raphinha had joined the Blues would have been simple. Raheem Sterling and Raphinha would operate left and right respectively and cut inside with devastating effect.
Gnabry is right-handed, although he played most of last season on the right side of Bayern.
Therefore, it can be seen how a direct alternative to Raphinha and Tuchel could still deploy Sterling to the left where it is more deadly.
Also, Gnabry has a much bigger experience than Raphinha on the bigger stage.
He is a veteran of countless Champions League campaigns at Bayern and has helped the German giant win the Bundesliga every season he has been at the club.
His goal balance with Germany is better than one in two. In addition, given its contract status, it is available for a fraction of its real value.
A foray into the Premier League for Raphinha may have been the most striking move. However, a Gnabry robbery may end up being the smartest business.