Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool chasing Ballon d’Or favourite

Chelsea kept alive their chances of a top-five finish in the Premier League with victory over rivals Fulham on Sunday afternoon. 

The Blues were beaten by the Cottagers in this season’s other West London derby, and they fell behind at Craven Cottage when Alex Iwobi struck.

Marco Silva’s side looked set to complete the league double over the Blues, until young substitute Tyrique George drew the visitors level.

Pedro Neto then snatched all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side, a result which moves them up to fifth in the Premier League and keeps them in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Off the pitch, it appears that Chelsea are one of a number of Premier League clubs that have shown interest in one of this season’s most in-form players.

As per TBR Football, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on Barcelona star Raphinha.

The report claims that the trio of Premier League sides have all shown interest in the Brazilian, who is enjoying a fine season in Spain.

Raphinha is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or

So far this term the 28-year-old has scored 30 goals and registered 23 assists in 48 matches across all competitions, including a combined 19 assists in 12 Champions League matches.

The Brazilian’s sensational form has seen him emerge as the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, but the report suggests that intermediaries have hinted that he could be available this summer.

Raphinha – who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 – is under contract until 2027, but the report claims that he could be available for a fee of around £80 million when the transfer window opens this summer.

All three Premier League sides are set to be kept informed about the winger’s situation, however it is also claimed that the Brazil international is set for talks with his current employers about a possible new contract.