Arteta previews Arsenal's Premier League trip to Tottenham
Barcelona want a fee of £88million to let Raphinha go amid interest from Arsenal, according to reports. The Brazil international was eyed at the Emirates Stadium last summer, only to end up moving to the Nou Camp instead. However, a return to the Premier League could be on the cards in the wake of the Gunners’ failure to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk - who is heading to Chelsea.
Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds back in the summer believing the Brazil international would be a huge hit over in La Liga.
Yet the forward has struggled for consistency during his time in Catalonia, scoring just two goals and clocking up as many assists from 15 La Liga games.
It’s now emerged that Arsenal are keen on Raphinha in the wake of their failure to acquire Mudryk, who is heading to Chelsea instead.
Yet according to Sport, Barcelona have slapped a huge £88m price tag on their winger in the hope that’ll deter potential suitors.
Xavi has regularly talked up Raphinha, backing him to come good and rediscover his best form.
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Barcelona star Raphinha has emerged as an Arsenal transfer target once again (Image: GETTY)
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Barcelona star Raphinha could arrive at Arsenal following Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer failure (Image: GETTY)
“I just said to Deco, ‘Can you explain to me the situation with Raphinha?’ and he was clear, ‘Edu, we have a good relationship but I’m not going to lie to you, his idea is to go to Barcelona because he’s dreaming to go to Barcelona, and we’ve been talking to Barcelona since a long time ago’.
“Okay, thank you very much, if something happens then just let me know because I can explore and understand the situation.
“If not, no problem and we carry on with our relationship.”
Regarding Mudryk, meanwhile, Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed Chelsea have ‘financially bullied Arsenal’ to get the deal done.
“With this transfer, Chelsea have bullied Arsenal, they have financially bullied them,” said the former Aston Villa captain.
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“They went over and spoke to his agent and probably told him, ‘We’ll give you [the agent] more, we’ll give the player more in wages and we’ll give the club more money up front’.
“Arsenal were maybe going to give him £100,000 or £150,000-a-week, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Chelsea offered him £250,000 or £300,000-a-week!
“Chelsea can just turn up with an open wallet and say, ‘What do you want?’
“I think it’s a good signing, but it’s going to hurt Arsenal and it’s going to hurt Arsenal fans.”