Barcelona have reportedly slapped an astounding €100 million price tag on Raphina amid Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian winger. The Gunners were in the race to sign the former Leeds United attacker before he opted to head to the Camp Nou in the summer.
The 25-year-old has struggled following his €58 million move from Elland Road to Barcelona last July. He has featured on 22 occasions across competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists.
Arsenal missed out on the signing of top target Mykhaylo Mudryk, with the Shakthar Donetsk winger joining Chelsea for €70 million. It appears that Raphinha is the Gunners’ alternative, and they could return for a player they courted throughout the summer of 2022.
However, if they’re to lure him to the Emirates, they will have to pay a hefty fee. SPORT reports that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has placed a €100 million fee on the Brazilian. The Blaugrana feel Raphinha is more adapted to the needs of Xavi’s side.
Raphinha enjoyed a brilliant spell in the Premier League with Leeds. He made 65 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 17 goals and contributing 12 assists. His six months with the Blaugrana have so far failed to see him replicate the form he managed at Elland Road.
Barcelona boss Xavi said he would like to manage Premier League side like Arsenal a few years ago
Xavi signed a two-year deal with the Blaugrana in 2021, succeeding Ronald Koeman as the club’s manager. However, he was enthusiastic about potentially becoming a Premier League manager one day.
In 2019, the Spaniard expressed his intentions to manage in the English top flight one day. He told Sky Sports:
“That is my goal, but obviously, who doesn’t like the Premier League? The football atmosphere, the packed stadiums and the people who play in the Premier League say it’s extraordinary.”
The former Barcelona midfielder then added that he would like to manage a top Premier League side like Arsenal:
“Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, (Manchester) City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.”
Xavi continued by explaining the success managers from abroad have had at Premier League clubs:
“(Jurgen) Klopp and (Mauricio) Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.”
The Spanish coach has overseen 37 wins, 12 draws, and as many defeats in 61 games at the helm of Barcelona. He has propelled the side to first in La Liga this season, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid after 16 games.