Raphinha was linked with Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer transfer window before he moved to Barcelona from Leeds United, and his recent comments suggest that he was never going to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium or to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal and Chelsea wanted to sign Raphinha
Arsenal Technical Director Edu told Sky Sports in late July that the Gunners were interested in signing Raphinha from Leeds in the summer transfer window.
Edu said that he spoken to fellow Brazilian and the winger’s agent Deco, adding that he was told that the star was “dreaming to go to Barcelona”.
In early August, Leeds chief Andrea Radrizzani told The Athletic that a deal was in place with Chelsea for Raphinha, but a late move from Barcelona saw them go back on his word.
Radrizzani added that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also wanted to sign the 25-year-old Brazil international winger.
In the end, the winger moved to Barcelona for £55 million (Sky Sports).
And Raphinha’s latest comments on his decision to switch to Camp Nou suggest that he was never ever going to move to Arsenal, Tottenham or Chelsea when he had the option to go to Barcelona.
Raphinha’s Barcelona dream
When asked if he turned down a proposal from Chelsea, Raphinha said, as quoted in 90min: “Yes, because my dream was to wear the Barcelona shirt, which is a club that I have followed since I was very young.
“Since Ronaldinho arrived. With him I began to understand a little more the history of the club. I wanted to be a part of this.
“So that dream, those desires were stronger than any other proposal no matter how powerful it was financially.”
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