Raphinha reportedly does not want to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window amid interest from Chelsea.
According to reputed Spanish journalist Alex Pintanel, Raphinha will block any approach to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian international, whose market value is €50 million, does not want to leave the Blaugrana. And the decision has come as a blow for Chelsea and his other suitors.
Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United last summer to complete his dream move. The 26-year-old snubbed interest from Arsenal and Chelsea by opting for the Blaugrana. And the transfer has arguably worked well for the player and the club, despite a few hiccups midway through the season.
The Brazilian international has amassed ten goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances thus far this term. Meanwhile, Raphinha’s market value currently stands at €50 million. But recent reports had linked the player with a move away from Barcelona amid the eagerness to re-sign Lionel Messi. And such a situation captured the attention of Chelsea.
A report by SPORT also confirms Chelsea’s interest in securing Raphinha’s services. But the links are surprising, considering the Blues have spent heavily to sign wide attackers in the last two transfer windows. And despite the impending exodus this summer, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk will unlikely leave Chelsea.
So it is unclear how the 26-year-old will fit into the scheme of things at Stamford Bridge next term. Nonetheless, the West London giants are ready to spend big on the Barcelona winger as they look to return to the UEFA Champions League. But the Brazilian international does not want to leave Barcelona.
The former Leeds United talisman is determined to succeed at Spotify Camp Nou. And he is ready to snub all approaches to continue his Barcelona stint despite his agent Deco’s push to move him to Chelsea. So a summer departure seems unlikely.
Meanwhile, with Messi reportedly closing in on moving to Saudi Arabia, the Catalan giants do not need to cash in on Raphinha. So, for all intents and purposes, the 26-year-old will likely remain at FC Barcelona beyond the summer transfer window.
