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Barcelona news: Lionel Messi wants to STOP team-mate from leaving the Nou Camp
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi reportedly wants Rafinha to stay at the Nou Camp… but is happy for Andre Gomes to leave.
Rafinha finishes off stunning Brazil move
The Catalan giants have made their mark this January by splashing out a mammoth £142m on signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool.
There are only so many midfield spots to go around though and that means several players look set for the chop following his arrival.
Arda Turan has already left Barcelona to return to Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir, while Denis Suarez is in danger of being sold.
The latest reports from Spain suggest there is one team-mate that Messi is keen for the La Liga giants to keep hold of though.
Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to keep hold of Rafinha amid interest from Inter Milan
According to Diario Gol, the Argentine wants Rafinha to stick with Barcelona amid interest from Inter Milan.
The Serie A giants were thought to be close to wrapping up an £18m (€20m) deal for the midfielder.
However, Barcelona have upped their asking price to £31m (€35m) due to Messi’s keenness for him to stay.
Diario Gol add that Barcelona would sooner loan Rafinha out as he looks to get back to full fitness.
Inter Milan target Rafinha is yet to play for Barcelona this season due to injury
Rafinha uses incredible skill to pass through legs
Messi is less concerned about where Gomes’ future lies beyond the winter transfer window though.
Club captain Messi believes the Portuguese does not suit Barcelona’s style of play, unlike Rafinha.
And he’s apparently happy for Gomes to leave the Nou Camp before the end of the month.
Misfits Aleix Vidal and Gerard Deulofeu look set to leave Barcelona, with moves to Sevilla and Napoli respectively heavily touted.
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