Newcastle United and Arsenal both have busy summers ahead as the transfer window looms ever closer.
The Magpies haven’t quite hit the heights they reached last season and there’s a chance they may not get any European football come Sunday night.
Meanwhile, the Gunners remain firmly in the title picture and will be eager to strengthen further so they can fight on four fronts in 2024/25.
Now, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on an Arsenal-linked attacking talent who was recently deemed “one of the best players in the world”.
According to GiveMeSport, the Magpies are showing interest in Barcelona forward Raphinha, a player said to be a long-standing target for the Gunners.
Eddie Howe is said to have ‘made it clear’ to the Newcastle hierarchy that he is keen on signing a right-winger ahead of next season.
However, the Magpies ‘are in danger of becoming embroiled in a tug-of-war with Arsenal’ over Raphinha, added the report.
Barcelona open to selling Raphinha amid Newcastle and Arsenal links
Earlier this month, TBR revealed that intermediaries have spoken to Premier League clubs to alert them to the fact the 27-year-old could move this summer.
Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa have all been informed of Raphinha’s situation, as they are all understood to have indicated an interest in recent months.
Now, as per GiveMeSport’s report, the Magpies appear to be intensifying their interest in the former Leeds United ace.
Raphinha wants to stay at Barca, and head coach Xavi seems to rate the £50million man highly.
Xavi said in quotes relayed by Fabrizio Romano on X after 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’s one of the best players in the world when it’s the moment to attack the space”.
However, given Barca’s financial situation, Raphinha’s future at the club remains uncertain, and given his Premier League experience, it’s understandable that English clubs are circling.
