Chelsea: Boehly 'means business' over 'world-class' star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea mean business following their move for Leeds United star Raphinha, says transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Blues look to be winning the race for the Brazilian ahead London rivals Arsenal and Barcelona, though the latter still appear to be firmly in the equation.

New Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is not messing about following his consortium’s takeover of the west London club.

As per The Telegraph, the Premier League outfit have struck a £55m deal with Leeds to sign Raphinha, who is also thought to be on Arsenal’s radar, this summer.

The 25-year-old is not the only attacker Chelsea are targeting, though, with multiple outlets reporting prior that they had made a move for Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are confident that they will land the England international this transfer window.

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Jones thinks Chelsea and Boehly have to be taken seriously after their aggressive pursuit of Raphinha.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “We knew Chelsea had been negotiating in the background for Raphinha, but I have to admit I was surprised by how quickly they moved for him.

“This new approach from Boehly has to be a concern for other clubs – Chelsea really mean business in the new era.”

There has been talk about Thomas Tuchel viewing Raphinha as a potential wing-back option, but that seems like a bit of a waste.

Against extremely defensive teams, where the German wants to get as many attacking players on the pitch as possible, it would make some sense.

But in most games, Chelsea fans would surely want to see the Brazil international, who has been described as a “world-class player” by former Premier