Arsenal and Newcastle are targeting a deal to bring Barcelona winger Raphinha back to the Premier League this summer.
Raphinha has struggled to cement his place in the Barcelona side since signing for the Catalans from Leeds last summer, despite an impressive return that has seen the 26-year-old score nine goals and provide 10 assists across all competitions.
Ousmane Dembele had been Xavi’s preferred option in Raphinha’s favoured position on the right, with the Brazilian only earning an extended run in the side following the former’s hamstring issue.
Premier League clubs are monitoring Raphinha’s situation and AS are reporting that Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham are all considering an approach.
The Gunners and Chelsea were interested in signing the winger last summer, before Raphinha turned down interest from England to sign for Barcelona in a £55m deal.
Barcelona’s stance is that Raphinha is not for sale, but there is an acceptance that a large offer from the Premier League would be difficult to turn down.
The Spanish side are struggling with economic issues and the sale of Raphinha could aid the club’s bid to bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou from Paris Saint-Germain, a contract renewal for Alejandro Balde, and accommodating already agreed deals for Gavi and Ronald Aruajo into the club’s salary cap.
