Teamwork makes the dream work

Maresca can relocate Palmer with Chelsea transfer for £50m star

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It’s been all change for Chelsea this summer season, after a season during which they narrowly missed out on a number of trophies, however managed to qualify for a European competitors as soon as once more.

Nevertheless, it was not sufficient to maintain Mauricio Pochettino within the job.

Following his sacking on the finish of Might, the Blues board turned their consideration to discovering a brand new supervisor to take them into the 2024/25 season, choosing Leicester Metropolis supervisor Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes again to the highest flight on the first try.

The Italian has wasted no time in instantly bolstering his new aspect, as he makes an attempt to guide the membership via the transitional interval to attempt to return to the Premier League’s high 4.

He’s already added centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo and central midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor to his Blues squad, bringing the latter with him from Leicester Metropolis this summer season.

Regardless of the current additions, Maresca continues to be trying to enhance his aspect, together with the addition of 1 participant who has beforehand impressed within the Premier League.

In keeping with journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea have held talks with Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha over a transfer to Stamford Bridge this summer season.

FFC in-text wider-3

The 27-year-old has consistently been linked with a transfer again to the Premier League after his stint with Leeds United, however might lastly be set for a return to England in the course of the low season.

He’s discovered sport time exhausting to come back by after the emergence of 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal, who received the Younger Participant of the Event on the current European Championships.

Raphinha managed 37 appearances in all competitions final season, however is eager on a return to the Premier League, with the Spanish giants demanding a payment within the area of £50m for his companies this summer season.

His potential arrival in west London might see a slight change in place for Cole Palmer, however, it could permit the England worldwide to succeed in the subsequent degree.

Why Raphinha’s arrival might permit Maresca to relocate Palmer

22-year-old Palmer loved his greatest marketing campaign thus far in 2023/24, contributing with 33 objectives and assists, probably the most of any participant within the Premier League.

He loved arguably his greatest sport enjoying within the quantity 10 position behind the striker, scoring 4 objectives towards Everton within the Blues’ 6-0 victory at Stamford Bridge again in April.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer-1

Nevertheless, he’s spent a lot of the 2023/24 marketing campaign that includes on the right-hand aspect, but Raphinha’s potential arrival might permit for a change in position for the England worldwide – with the Barca man usually working on that flank.

When evaluating the pair on FBref, Raphinha who’s beforehand been dubbed a “phenomenon” by Tottenham full-back Emerson Royal, has produced some spectacular stats, a few of that are a lot increased than even Palmer might muster.

While he produced fewer mixed objectives and assists final season, the Brazilian managed extra pictures per 90 alongside a better tally of shot-creating actions than Palmer.

How Raphinha in comparison with Palmer in 2023/24

Statistics

Raphinha

Palmer

Video games

28

34

Objectives + assists

15

33

Pictures per 90

3.8

3.4

Shot-creating actions per 90

5.9

5.6

Take-on success

52%

50%

Aerials received

64%

20%

Stats by way of FBref

Raphinha additionally averaged a increased take-on success charge, successful extra aerial duels, doubtlessly including a special possibility for Maresca’s aspect within the ultimate third, boosting their possibilities of returning to the Champions League locations.

While the Blues could face competitors from a number of different Premier League sides, it could be an enormous addition and an announcement signing for Maresca.

The membership could have been specializing in recruiting children for the long run in current months, but when they’re to have a right away affect and return to the highest finish of the Premier League, they have to additionally take into account additions corresponding to Raphinha who will make a right away affect at Stamford Bridge.

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