Chelsea could abandon their hopes of signing Rafinha and have identified Serge Gnabry as a viable alternative, while a report details a complication in Hakim Ziyech’s move to AC Milan.
The Blues had a bid north of £55m for Rafinha accepted by Leeds United two weeks ago. However, the Brazilian had his heart set on joining Barcelona, who themselves were entrenched in the race to sign the superstar winger.
Chelsea’s failure to convince Rafinha to move to Stamford Bridge has left the door open for Barcelona. News broke on Sunday evening of a vastly improved verbal offer from Barca that matched Leeds’ valuation.
The Whites are understood to have accepted the latest offer and barring any late surprises, Rafinha is on his way to Camp Nou.
Thomas Tuchel’s team now has a new winger in Raheem Sterling. However, the Blues were believed to be looking for two new signings.
The Telegraph now claim that Chelsea will waste little time before possibly making a move for Serge Gnabry.
The 26-year-old Bayern Munich winger has just 12 months left on his current contract. Bayern have offered new terms, although Gnabry – at least for now – appears unwilling to accept them.
It is extremely unlikely that Bayern will allow Gnabry to leave on a free after 12 months. That means there could be a sale this summer if the writing is on the wall for an extension.
The Telegraph believe that Gnabry could be available for as little as £34m given the state of his contract. Chelsea are described as “interested” in the Germany international, who has regularly been linked with a return to Arsenal.
Ziyech exit to increase the need for Gnabry
Adding to Chelsea’s interest in Gnabry is the potential departure of Hakim Ziyech.
The Moroccan is a specific target for Milan and the report notes that the two clubs are currently in talks.
Ziech’s departure will heighten the need for another new winger and Gnabry is the man Chelsea appear to have settled on amid their frustration with Rafinha.
However, according to the report, Ziyech’s exit is far from easy.
That’s because the two clubs are pushing for a different deal structure. Chelsea prefer a permanent sale, while AC want a loan with an obligation to buy.
Regardless, the report concludes that Ziyech is on board with leaving and a deal will be hammered out one way or another.
Indeed, Ziyech recently parted ways with his agent and enlisted the services of Roc Nation Sports. This particular team was also involved in bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Inter Milan in June.
The Bayern ace is a good alternative
The plan if Rafinha joined the Blues would be simple. Raheem Sterling and Rafinha would operate on the left and right respectively and cut inside to devastating effect.
Gnabry is right-footed but played most of last season on the right wing for Bayern.
He can therefore be seen as a direct alternative to Rafinha and Tuchel will still be able to deploy Sterling on the left where he is most lethal.
What’s more, Gnabry boasts far more experience than Rafinha on the biggest stage.
He is a veteran of countless Champions League campaigns for Bayern and has helped the German giants win the Bundesliga every season he has been at the club.
His goalscoring record for Germany is better than one in two. What’s more, given its contract status, it’s available for a fraction of its true value.
A Premier League move for Rafinha might have been the more attractive move. However, stealing Gnabry may turn out to be the smarter business.
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