Barcelona winger Raphinha has slammed reports linking him with a transfer to Arsenal and Chelsea just 12 months after completing a move to the Nou Camp. Despite a slow start, the former Leeds star has scored ten goals and provided a further 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Xavi Hernandez’s side this term.
Barca look set to win the La Liga title under Xavi and the Brazil international has played a key role in their success this season. However, Raphinha continues to be linked with a shock exit from the Catalan giants this summer given their ongoing financial problems
Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have been tipped to make a move for the Brazilian at the end of the season even despite a successful first season in Spanish football. The La Liga leaders are said to be open to selling the 26-year-old in an effort to raise funds as they look to strengthen their squad despite the financial restraints being placed on the club.
Raphinha has since hit out at reports linking him with a return to the Premier League as he aims to stay with Barcelona for the 2023/24 campaign. Replying to a post on Instagram relaying the rumours, Raphinha wrote: “Lie.
“The person who said this is a liar and uninformed,” he added. According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are preparing talks over signing Raphinha, and his agent seems to be doing his bit to facilitate the transfer. The Catalan club need to improve their finances and selling the Brazilian winger could help them abide to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
His agent, Deco, also wants to convince him to listen to offers from the Premier League, where Chelsea are keen to sign him. SPORT also claimed that the Gunners had reignited their interest in Raphinha as Mikel Arteta looks to add a versatile forward to his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.
