Rangers fans will have one eye on the future of Leeds United winger Raphinha amid exit fears surrounding Ryan Kent and claims the Brazilian is Chelsea-bound.
Only a few weeks ago we were musing over the fact that things appeared to have gone quiet when it comes to the Elland Road club and Rangers’ £7m wide man.
This is especially after the Yorkshire outfit changed manager from Marcelo Bielsa to Jesse Marsch midway through last season.
Known to be long-term admirers of Rangers winger Ryan Kent, Leeds even had a reported £10m bid rejected for the winger in 2020 [BBC Sport].
But as the Athletic report that Premier League giants Chelsea have struck a £55m agreement with the Whites regarding talismanic winger Raphinha attention will quickly turn to potential replacements.
Raphinha Chelsea move raises Rangers Ryan Kent Leeds United fears
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been a stand-out performer since joining Leeds from Ligue 1 Stade Rennais in 2020 and the player’s future has been the subject of much conjecture as of late.
Barcelona were said to have agreed a fee in January, whilst Premier League Arsenal are another side who were reportedly in the hunt this summer.
But as things have transpired Stamford Bridge appears to now be the likeliest destination for Raphinha as he prepares to join up with Chelsea and German coach Thomas Tuchel.
Ryan Kent is in an interesting moment at Rangers and should the Raphinha deal go through it will have several Ibrox supporters holding their breath.
Entering the final year of his contract, Rangers will either need to sign the player down on a new deal or risk losing him for nothing next season.
Failing that, selling the former Liverpool winger is the only real option if Rangers plan on adopting the much talked about player trading model at the club.
It means that one way or another Ryan Kent’s Rangers future is set to be decided this summer and we certainly wouldn’t rule out the winger being linked to Leeds United if Raphinha does indeed move to Chelsea as expected.
Speaking of Rangers transfers, the Ibrox side have reportedly launched a bid for an international forward after a series of links.