The Daily Mail claim Barcelona are considering a sale of Raphinha in order to raise some much-needed funds to balance the books, only a year after completing £50m move from Leeds United – with Arsenal and Newcastle keen.
Raphinha, 26, notched his 19th goal involvement of the season on the weekend as Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 win over Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. After a slow start, the Brazil star now has nine goals and 10 assists in 42.
It is turning out to be a very successful season in what is his first campaign at the Nou Camp, following his move from Leeds. Raphinha described the move to Barcelona as a “dream” – but it could be over after only 12 months.
Indeed, The Mail report that Barcelona are considering a sale in order to raise funds with the club’s financial state still very much in trouble. If Barca do decide to sell Raphinha, then Arsenal and Newcastle will fight for his signature.
Barcelona considering sale of Raphinha a year after £50m Leeds exit
Having struggled to begin with at Barcelona, the World Cup gave Raphinha a new focus and he returned to Barca with renewed confidence. Of his 11 La Liga involvements, four came before Qatar, and seven have come since.
It comes as no surprise that if he is to be made available for a transfer, then Premier League clubs will be after a move for the Deco’s client. He has shown while at Leeds that he is more than capable of impressing in England.
Arsenal would see him join a club where there is competition – but he does start ahead of Gabriel Martinelli for Brazil. At Newcastle, you would suggest he would go straight into the starting line-up under boss Eddie Howe.
Jacob Murphy got a brace against Spurs on the weekend, but he is currently first choice ahead of Miguel Almiron. A position that needs improving. So, the Toon could be a good option – playing alongside Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes.
