Chelsea and Arsenal ‘send transfer offers for Barcelona star Raphinha’… but an ex-Blues ace could have final say
RAPHINHA could leave Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.
The winger, 26, joined the La Liga giants in a £55million transfer from Leeds in July.
GettyRaphinha could leave Barcelona at the end of the season[/caption]
However, according to Spanish outlet Sport, he is already considering leaving.
Raphinha fears that he will have to accept playing fewer minutes at the Nou Camp next season, with Ousmane Dembele understood to be Xavi’s preferred option on the right.
The potential return of club legend Lionel Messi is also factoring into his decision.
Several teams are understood to be interested in signing Raphinha, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
His agent, former Chelsea midfielder Deco, has so far received three formal offers.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea attempted to sign the Brazilian last summer, but Barcelona won the transfer race.
Arsenal kicked off the bidding war for Raphinha, but Chelsea swooped in with a £55m offer which was accepted by Leeds.
The winger then refused to agree personal terms with the Blues in a bid to force a move to Barcelona.
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Raphinha has registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona this season.
Newcastle are also understood to be interested in signing him.
The club’s owners are set to abandon their cautious approach to the transfer market and splash out on some marquee signings.
