Chelsea: Bundesliga wonderkid targeted as star makes feelings clear on switch

Chelsea are sitting pretty in second place in the Premier League with a visit from league leaders Arsenal on the horizon

Chelsea are steadily making their mark on the Premier League this season as they inch into second place. The Blues returned to domestic football with a 2-0 away win to Burnley at the weekend before facing Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

With attention split between the Premier League and Europe, Enzo Maresca has been dealt a tough hand with key player Cole Palmer still out with injury. The Blues star suffered a freak setback with a fractured toe pushing back his return to the side.

However, the Blues have been handling business without him in the middle of the park, picking up three wins out of their last four in all competitions.

Here, Mirror Football has all the details on the latest coming out of Stamford Bridge.

Bundesliga wonderkid targeted

Chelsea are looking to make even more transfer moves in the future as they continue to monitor RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo. Sky Sports Germany reports that the Blues are among a number of top clubs interested in the 19-year-old, including Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Ouédraogo has registered three goals and three assists for Leipzig so far this season but he stole the most headlines during the international break. The teenager scored less than two minutes into his senior debut for Germany in their 6-0 win over Slovakia.

The report states that the midfielder does not have a release clause in his contract so only top offers will be considered by the Bundesliga side. Ouédraogo's focus remains on making it to the World Cup next year with his country and qualifying for the Champions League with his current side.

Raphinha makes feelings clear on Blues switch

Chelsea could have had an opposition player in their ranks on Tuesday night had they convinced Raphinha to leave Leeds United for Stamford Bridge instead of the Camp Nou. In 2022, when the Brazilian was still at Elland Road, the Blues were interested in bringing him to London.

It was reported at the time that Leeds and Chelsea agreed terms for Raphinha but the now-28-year-old decided to head to Spain instead. Before the two clubs faced off in the Champions League, the winger was asked about his potential to switch to Chelsea three years ago.

Speaking to AS Diario, he said: "Ever since I played my last game for Leeds, I knew of Chelsea’s interest. But I had a dream and I did everything I could to play for Barca.

"I only had one dream, which was to play for Barca. I trusted in them and here I am wearing Barça’s colours."