West Ham United will reportedly compete with Arsenal and Liverpool for Barcelona forward Raphinha this summer.
As reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are scouring the market for wide attackers heading into the summer transfer window. Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in the Brazilian international, who faces an uncertain future at FC Barcelona.
The Raphinha Story
Raphinha has blown hot and cold since joining Barcelona from Leeds United in July 2022. The Blaugrana shelled out a base package of €65 million, including add-ons, to land the 27-year-old. But he has not justified the investment, with fitness issues and inconsistencies hampering him.
The Brazilian international has managed just over 1,000 minutes of game time thus far this term. He has turned out 22 times thus far, chipping in with four goals and seven assists. While Raphinha’s output is solid, he has been in and out of the starting lineup due to the emergence of Lamine Yamal, the resurgence of Ferran Torres, and the presence of Joao Felix in the Barcelona squad.
So, it is hardly surprising that Raphinha faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club heading into the summer transfer window. Recent reports have revealed Barcelona’s potential asking price for the former Leeds United talisman. And he does not have a shortage of suitors, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and West Ham United interested.
A Man in Demand
Arsenal and Liverpool hold a long-standing interest in the Barcelona forward. The Gunners also attempted to secure Raphinha’s services before he joined Barcelona over 18 months ago. And the continued interest is not surprising, with Mikel Arteta demanding more competition on the flanks and Liverpool scouring the market for a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.
West Ham United are the latest club to show interest in Raphinha. The Hammers spent heavily on attacking and midfield reinforcement last summer. But adding the Brazilian international to an offensive unit that also has Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen can be a masterstroke.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United and Tottenham also want to secure Raphinha’s services this summer. Barcelona will likely demand more than the €65 million they paid to land him when they part ways with him. But the 27-year-old reportedly wants to stay at the Catalan club.
