Barcelona are looking to sell Raphinha at the end of the season, with Newcastle United and Arsenal prepared to bring him back to the Premier League.
A report from Football Insider claims that Newcastle are willing to pay Barcelona’s £50-60 million asking price to sign Raphinha at the end of the season. The Brazilian international is also a target for Arsenal.
Raphinha has ten goals and 11 assists to his name for Barcelona this season, and he has done reasonably well since joining the club. But he has not been consistent, and Barcelona expected more from the player when they paid big money for him.
On top of that, the Spanish outfit are now keen on re-signing Lionel Messi on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. So they need to bring in some money so that they can get the deal done. Cashing in on the 26-year-old amid interest from Arsenal and Newcastle makes sense.
Raphinha has excelled in the Premier League before, and it will be interesting to see if he is keen on a return. A move to Newcastle would be a downgrade in after playing for Barcelona. But the Magpies have an exciting project and are building a formidable squad.
Newcastle are guaranteed to play in Europe next season, and they are very close to securing Champions League qualification as well. The Magpies could use more quality in the final third. So the 26-year-old Brazilian would be a solid investment for them. He is a proven performer at the highest level and he could make an immediate impact. He knows the league well and will not need a lot of time to adapt.
Raphinha will add creativity, flair and pace from the right flank, and he can score goals as well. He would be an upgrade on players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon. Both players have been underwhelming for Newcastle this season.
Newcastle need top-class players this summer to do well in the Champions League, and Raphinha would be a wise choice. The reported £50-60 million asking price won’t be an issue for one of the richest clubs in the world. Meanwhile, Barcelona will be able to sign their preferred targets with the money.
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The Brazilian international has been linked with Arsenal as well. The Gunners are looking to add more depth in the wide areas, and Raphinha could compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting berth next season. The competition for places will help the players perform better and improve the squad as a whole.
