Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino may encounter a significant Manchester City issue if he attempts to recruit either Raphinha or Ferran Torres from Barcelona.

Raphinha and Ferran Torres of Barcelona are the most recent players to be mentioned in transfer rumors involving Chelsea this summer. After Mohammed Kudus joined West Ham and Michael Olise signed a new contract with Crystal Palace under Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues are searching for a versatile attacker to sign before September 1.

Despite missing out on that combination, Chelsea is still in the market and appears to have a wide range of possibilities. Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola, two players from Lyon, have both spoken with Chelsea; however, the latter’s contract is not currently valid.

Regarding Cherki, west Londoners continue to admire him, but again, no talks are currently taking place. But if efforts to reach other targets fail, the position on both can shift in the coming days. Emile Smith Rowe, a 23-year-old player whom Chelsea is reportedly considering moving for, features on that list.

Torres and Raphinha are both on the Blues’ radar, as it is difficult to predict any player of Xavi’s team’s long-term future given Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles. Raphinha or Torres appear to be less likely exit candidates than Ansu Fati, although that could alter if a fresh winger enters the picture. Barcelona defeated Villareal last Saturday in a thrilling seven-goal game to retain their perfect start to the current La Liga campaign. Since Torres was suspended for receiving a red card in the previous game’s 2-0 victory over Cadiz, neither Raphinha nor Torres were selected for the starting lineup. Instead, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal started wide and made a big impression with an assist that was also credited to him. Torres did score in the comeback victory after coming off the bench, but Xavi’s audacious move might portend better things for Raphinha, Torres, and Fati.

A first-refusal option was added to the contract when Manchester City sold Torres to Barcelona for just under £55 million in late 2021. This provision enables Pep Guardiola’s team to counter any possible offers for the Spain international. Raphinha, despite only joining Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Leeds in a £55 million package deal, has long attracted interest from the Premier League, not just from Chelsea. As Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his front line, Arsenal has also enquired about the Brazil international.