In terms of transfer targets this summer, FC Barcelona has a very clear and thorough understanding. For the Catalan giants, their arrivals are already well-established, but they need sales as well to generate a usable transfer budget allocation. However, it seems that departures are proving to be complicated for Barcelona.
The three primary candidates that could have possibly been sold were Ronald Araujo, Frenkie De Jong, and Ansu Fati. Unfortunately, all three are currently injured and that puts an untimely halt to any operations that may have concerned them. Instead, Barça have another name in mind that they could use.
Raphinha, currently aged 27, is a former Leeds United forward who is now a Barcelona player. However, his time at the club has not been all smooth sailing despite some strong showings of promise from him. As a result, Barça are not exactly against the idea of selling him for the right price given that he still holds a strong market interest.
Fortunately enough for Barcelona, a suitor from the English Premier League has emerged. Arsenal, a London-based club and a recently reformed side under Mikel Arteta, are interested in taking away the services of the Brazilian winger from Barcelona. Moreover, according to SPORT, they are willing to touch the €50 million mark for his arrival.
With Barcelona open to a potential departure for the player, the Catalan giants would be willing to negotiate with Arsenal. However, it is also important to note that the player’s own will is not exactly on the same page. Given that Raphinha wants to stay at Barça for now and take things one step at a time, it is crucial to acknowledge his wants as well.
Until and unless the player wishes to leave, it is impossible to push him out. Moreover, with a contract in place until 2027 with Barcelona, Raphinha still has some years left in his deal. However, given that he boasts one of the squad’s higher salaries and would also bring in decent transfer revenue, Barcelona remain open to any and all ideas at the moment.
At the end of the day, the focus for Barça right now is still on Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. In fact, that focus has driven them to the point of neglecting the arrival of a potential midfielder for now. As it stands, Barça hope to generate revenue but also guarantee the arrival of their biggest targets right now.
