Ornstein says Chelsea want to use Raphinha as a wing-back

By Jordan Harris

David Ornstein has told The Athletic that he understands that Chelsea want to use Raphinha as a wing-back should they manage to sign the Leeds United star this summer.

The battle for Raphinha is heating up. Of course, it appeared that Barcelona were on their way to signing the winger. Personal terms were reportedly agreed some time ago.

However, it is Arsenal who have made the opening bid for the Brazilian. Unfortunately for the Gunners, Leeds had no interest in accepting that offer. And it seems that their bid has alerted some of their Premier League rivals.

Reports claimed that Tottenham are about to bid for Raphinha. Meanwhile, Chelsea are also interested. And they have an interesting plan for the 25-year-old should they manage to get a deal across the line.

“Chelsea present Champions League football, but they’re still getting their recruitment plans together. They also, as I understand it, would quite like to play him as a wing-back. I’m not sure if he would want that,” Ornstein told The Athletic’s YouTube channel.

Chelsea want Raphinha as a wing-back

Raphinha had a couple of chances as more of a wing-back for Leeds last season. And it certainly did not appear to be a role that brought the best out of the Brazilian.

However, it was obviously an incredibly difficult year for Leeds. And when Raphinha was deployed as more of a wing-back, it was often when something had gone wrong for the Whites.

Chelsea will be on the front foot a lot more than Leeds were last season. So there would be different demands if he played as a wing-back at Stamford Bridge.

Having said that, if Tottenham come calling and want to make Raphinha one of their attacking options, surely that will appeal more.

Raphinha is at his best when isolating a full-back and running at them. And so, the idea of playing at wing-back may make a Chelsea move a little less tempting.