- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could potentially find themselves in a battle for a player who Xavi recently suggested is “one of the best players in the world”.
However, the Gunners and Spurs may have to contend with the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Chelsea and West Ham in pursuit of the player.
TBR understands that the Premier League clubs interested in Raphinha have been informed that he is set to be available this summer.
Barcelona have been happy with the form of the ex-Leeds man this season, as from 15 starts he has scored five times and created a further nine goals.
However, Barca are still not free from to be financially free of restrictions and some exits will be needed if they are to allow head coach Xavi make some of the changes he wants.
TBR understands that Nico Williams is a player Barca are looking closely at, along with Xavi Simons – but they can’t bring in new names without changes.
Therefore some exits are required and one of their most sellable assets is former Premier League star Raphinha, given there is major interest in England in bringing him back to the UK.
We can now reveal that intermediaries have spoken to Premier League clubs – to alert them to the fact the 27-year-old could move this summer.
How much could the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham have to pay for Raphinha?
TBR understands that Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle have all been spoken to as they are all understood to have indicated an interest in recent months.
Chelsea and West Ham both previously showed an interest and they too have been made aware of the situation, but it is not known if they indeed will rekindle their interest in him.
Barcelona paid £50million to Leeds in the summer of 2022 and they well fully expect to make a little profit on him – should he move.
Raphinha himself is happy at Barcelona, but he accepts that he may have accept his future lies away from the club if Xavi makes it clear he is not going to be first choice in the long-term.
This is despite the Barca boss recently singling the former Leeds man out for praise in wake of the Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Paris Saint-Germain.
“The real Raphinha is the one we saw in Paris. He’s intense, finds the space, creating chances,” he said in quotes relayed by Fabrizio Romano on X.
“He’s one of the best players in the world when it’s the moment to attack the space”.