Having a sporting director is usually helpful, and the absence of Petr Cech and Marina Granovskaia have contributed in creating a huge and obvious gap in Chelsea’s summer transfer dealings.

Chelsea missed out on the opportunity to sign either Gabriel Jesus or Richarlison, as all efforts were put on Raphinha.

Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, has revealed how he knew beforehand that Raphinha was only interested in a move to Barcelona.

“Raphinha was everywhere. It’s fair that we had a conversation with Deco because he is his agent and I have a good relationship with him, we are friends,” Edu told Sky Sports News.

“I just said to Deco ‘Can you explain to me the situation of Raphinha?’ and he was clear. He said ‘Edu, we have a good relationship, I am not going to lie to you, his idea is to go to Barcelona. His dream is to go to Barcelona and we have been talking to Barcelona since a long time ago.’

“Okay, thank you very much. If something happens, just let me know because I can explore and understand the situation. If not, no problem.”

By the time Chelsea tried to enter the race for Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, the deals were almost done.

Chelsea’s transfer strategy this summer has been quite poor, and it has put the club in a bad light.

Surely, Todd Boehly is learning on the job, but his education may come at a cost to Chelsea this summer, as the Blues are yet to sign the required players needed to boost the squad.