Barcelona Winger Considering Summer Exit Amid Arsenal, Chelsea And Newcastle Interest
In a major development, Joaquim Piera of SPORT is reporting that Raphinha is considering the possibility of leaving Barcelona in the summer transfer window amidst interest from Premier League big guns like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.
Raphinha only joined Barça in the summer of 2022, arriving from Leeds United in a deal worth €58 million, plus €7 million in add-ons. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign in Spain, scoring ten goals and setting up 11 more, even though he made a slow start.
The injury to Ousmane Dembele in January opened the doors for Raphinha and the Brazilian international made the most of it. However, as per the report, the former Leeds United ace is concerned about his game-time at the club next season.
Dembele remains the favoured option for manager Xavi Hernandez on the right flank and with the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club increasing, Raphinha’s minutes could get affected.
As such, even though he is settled and happy at the club he always dreamt of playing for, the Brazilian international is weighing up the possibility of a return to the Premier League as his potential lack of minutes at Barça could also have an impact on his international career.
It is no secret that Raphinha still has admirers in the Premier League. Chelsea, who made a hard push for his signing last summer, continue to remain interested, along with Arsenal, whose director Edu Gaspar has been regularly calling the player’s agent Deco.
Newcastle United are also interested in Raphinha and have even reportedly tabled a verbal offer worth €80 million for the winger.
Each of the three clubs have assured the Brazilian that he would receive a bigger pay packet than his current one at Barça, where he earns €12 million per year (gross).
Barcelona, for their part, would only consider selling the 26-year-old if an offer in the range of €70-80 million were to arrive.
Raphinha is yet to make a firm decision on his future, but with interest in him rising, the club being open to a sale and the player having concerns about his playing time next season, an exit may well become a reality in the summer.
