Chelsea ‘remain in hunt’ for £36m EPL raid this summer, West Ham and Liverpool reportedly keen

Chelsea are reportedly still monitoring Leeds United winger Raphinha, and could look to seal a deal for the player at the end of the season.

According to an update from Football.London, the Blues are very much in the hunt for a talent who was heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road last month.

The likes of Liverpool, West Ham, and Bayern Munich were all touted as potential destinations for the 25-year-old, but he remains a Leeds player for the being.

Whether that will change in the summer is a matter of some speculation, however, with Raphinha’s standout showings in Yorkshire continuing to attract admiration.

For Chelsea, this is not the first time that they have paid close attention to the £36 million-rated South American.

In fact, Football.London even go as far as to claim that the Blues have been keeping tabs on his progress since his days with French outfit Rennes, where he was a teammate of current Stamford Bridge stopper, Edouard Mendy.

Understandably, the report also suggests that Leeds would be reluctant to sell their star man at the end of the campaign, but amid mounting interest, and in the face of Raphinha’s personal ambitions, they could face a battle to hang on to him.

Who else is interested in Raphinha?

Chelsea aren’t the only side being linked with a potential move for the wide man.

Over the festive period, Bayern Munich were being heavily touted for a January swoop, and although that deal never materialised, they remain among the favourites to sign him at a price of 9/1.

Ultimately, however, it’s Liverpool who look most likely to challenge Chelsea for any kind of summer deal involving Raphinha.

As well as their reported interest in the player, the Reds also lead the bookies’ race at odds of 7/1.

For context, Chelsea are currently priced at 14/1.