Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Barcelona attacker Raphinha this summer.
According to a report from SPORT, Aston Villa could soon make a move for Raphinha amidst Moussa Diaby’s uncertain future. While the Brazilian international has been doing a great job since joining Barcelona, they could sanction his departure if it helps them raise a significant amount of funds.
Raphinha joined the Catalan giants back in the summer of 2022. The Brazilian international has been a consistent performer for them out wide on the flanks. While he prefers playing on the right, he has done an equally great job on the left for them.
Last season, he had 10 goals and 13 assists in less than 2,000 minutes of first-team football spread across his 37 appearances. Raphinha’s work is highly valued by the club, and he still has three years left on his deal with them. However, they could still end up sanctioning his departure amidst interest from Aston Villa.
Raphinha to replace Diaby at Aston Villa?
Unai Emery’s team are preparing for Champions League football, and they want to ensure they have enough quality in their ranks to compete in all competitions. With Moussa Diaby’s future at the club uncertain, they are keeping a close eye on Raphinha and are considering signing him.
The French winger was an integral part of Emery’s team as he contributed towards 19 goals last season. But, with Diaby closing in on a move to the Saudi Pro League, Aston Villa could soon need an ideal replacement on the right flank. Al-Ittihad are very close to securing his services in a deal worth €65-70 million. The money raised could then be reinvested in bringing Raphinha back to the Premier League.
Diaby’s departure will leave a significant void, which could result in Emery pushing for the Barcelona winger, who has done well in the English top flight for Leeds United back in the day. While he is important to the Spanish giants, they are willing to sanction his departure for the right price.
The Brazilian is valued at around €65-70 million, which is what Aston Villa will receive in case of Diaby’s departure. While Raphinha is quite happy at the Spanish club, their financial situation along with Nico Williams’s likely arrival could result in a potential exit.
