Arsenal and Chelsea may be interested to learn that Barcelona are expected to offload Raphinha this summer, with the Catalan giants looking for around €100m for the Brazilian winger.
That’s according to a report from Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, who name Raphinha and Ilkay Gundogan as two big names from the Barca first-team who could be allowed to leave in the next transfer window.
The report adds that Raphinha has offers from the Premier League, and this follows Football Insider recently linking the former Leeds United man as a target for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
Still, if it is indeed the case that €100m would be required to let Raphinha go, then it’s surely hard to see those clubs forking out for the 27-year-old, whose true value is arguably half that after a patchy couple of years at the Nou Camp.
Raphinha transfer: Do Arsenal and Chelsea really need him?
Raphinha looked an exciting talent during his time in the Premier League with Leeds, but top clubs will surely think twice about splashing the cash on him now after he’s struggled with the step up required at an elite side like Barcelona.
Despite some flashes of quality, Raphinha hasn’t been consistent enough and it’s not too surprising to see reports that the La Liga outfit are now ready to consider letting him go, even if their demands may be a tad unrealistic.
If they were to lower their price, there might be a case for Chelsea bringing Raphinha in as an upgrade on inconsistent performers like Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, but there also surely better options out there.
Arsenal, meanwhile, already have the excellent Bukayo Saka playing in Raphinha’s position, so bringing in an out-and-out striker would surely make more sense for the Gunners than another wide-player, especially a wide-player who isn’t in the best of form.