Chelsea could be ready to hijack Arsenal’s attempts to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The Gunners have already had one offer for the 25 year old rejected, with the mount bid described as well below his asking price.
It is reported that they intend to submit an improved offer but, whilst negotiations continue, that gives other clubs the chance to muscle in on the deal, including Tottenham and Chelsea.
And to prove the serious of their intent, Thomas Tuchel’s side may be willing to offer Hakim Ziyech in part exchange.
Ziyech was Frank Lampard’s first signing as Chelsea manager and is reported to have admirers at Leeds who believe that he possesses many of the same qualities as Ziyech.
The Moroccan international, who is valued at £33 million, has been in and out of the first-team at Stamford Bridge, and may be open to a move that sees him guaranteed more regular first team football.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.