With Barcelona weighing up the possibility of selling Brazilian winger Raphinha in the summer, the Daily Mail in England is reporting that Arsenal and Newcastle United are closely monitoring his situation at Spotify Camp Nou.
Raphinha joined Barcelona only in the last summer transfer window, arriving in a deal worth €58 million (plus €7 million in add-ons) from Leeds United. After a slow start to life in Catalonia, the winger has gotten going in the second half of the campaign.
So far, the 26-year-old has racked up a tally of nine goals and ten assists across all competitions in his debut season for the Blaugrana. The coaching staff is understood to value the Brazilian international but there is some degree of uncertainty over his continuity.
Furthermore, it has also been reported in Spanish media that the winger’s angry behaviour after being taken off during matches has not gone down too well at the club.
Barça need to make player sales this summer in order to generate funds and reduce their salary mass. And, Raphinha, owing to the interest he is generating in the Premier League, is possibly being seen as a sellable asset at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Arsenal and Newcastle United were both keen on signing Raphinha last summer as well. And they are now understood to be keeping close tabs on the 26-year-old former Leeds United ace’s situation at Barcelona.
Arsenal were linked with Raphinha back during the January transfer window as well and seem to be carrying forward their interest in the Brazilian.
As for Newcastle United, recent reports suggested that the Magpies’ new owners are willing to bankroll a huge summer and are prepared to splash the cash on the Brazilian international.
However, Raphinha’s sale is seen as a complicated operation at Barcelona, owing to the fact that more than €40 million of his transfer fee is yet to be amortised.
Hence, it has been previously reported that the Blaugrana could consider selling him only if huge offers, around the €80 million mark, come along, so that they can generate some net profit from his exit.
