Chelsea told they can sign "special" Barcelona star for £80 million this summer

Raphinha, Lamine Yamal. (Deposit Photos)

Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League received a timely boost on Sunday as they edged West London rivals Fulham in a dramatic comeback at Craven Cottage.

Fulham, who triumphed in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge back in December, took the lead through Alex Iwobi in the 20th minute.

Marco Silva’s men held firm for over an hour, but the breakthrough eventually came for the visitors when teenager Tyrique George netted his first-ever Premier League goal with a composed first-time strike.

Then, deep into stoppage time, Pedro Neto produced a moment of magic – spinning sharply on the edge of the box and rifling a sensational half-volley past Bernd Leno – to complete the turnaround and secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side, breaking Fulham hearts in the process.

Despite the thrilling win, it hasn’t masked what has been an otherwise underwhelming campaign for the Blues.

Inconsistency and a perceived lack of attacking threat – especially since the turn of the year – have left fans frustrated, while the suspension of Mykhailo Mudryk for a failed drugs test has only compounded Chelsea’s issues in wide areas.

As a result, the club are expected to dip into the market for a winger this summer. PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens have both been linked, but another name that continues to emerge is that of Raphinha.

Raphinha. (Deposit Photos)

The former Leeds United star has been one of Europe’s standout performers this season, registering a remarkable 30 goals and 23 assists in all competitions for Barcelona. His form has even propelled him into contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

According to TBR Football, intermediaries have informed Chelsea – as well as other Premier League suitors like Arsenal and Liverpool – that Barcelona would demand around £80 million for the 28-year-old’s signature.

Despite the speculation, Barça remain in discussions with Raphinha over a potential contract extension beyond his current deal, which runs until 2027. The player himself is said to be happy in Catalonia, making any prospective transfer a complicated one.

Raphinha’s impact hasn’t been limited to club football either. He’s quickly become a mainstay for the Brazil national team, tallying four goals and one assist in just six World Cup qualifying appearances since the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Back in November, legendary Brazil and Barcelona striker Romário praised the winger’s rise.

“He does very well with the Barça shirt and he is also doing very well with the Brazilian shirt. Raphinha is a pride for all Brazilians, he will give us very special things in football,” he told Mundo Deportivo, per Barça Blaugranes.

Raphinha is in contention for the Ballon d'Or this year. (Deposit Photos)

While signing Raphinha remains a long shot, his arrival would undoubtedly elevate Chelsea’s attack and inject much-needed flair, firepower, and experience into their frontline – perhaps even turning dreams of a genuine resurgence into reality.