Barcelona winger Raphinha has hit out at ‘fake news’ claims that he could return to the Premier League with Arsenal or Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.
With the La Liga leaders facing up to another off-season of cost-cutting and lever-pulling, reports have suggested that Raphinha – just one year after arriving from Leeds United – could be sacrificed by the Barca bosses as they look to appease the merciless gods of Financial Fair Play.
Spanish football chief Javier Tebas has already indicated that Barcelona will be under something of a de-facto transfer ban. They are reportedly under pressure to raise nearly £180 million via player sales (Daily Mail).
Diario Sport say that Newcastle are already attempting to take advantage; getting in touch with the Blaugrana regarding a potential deal for Brazil international Raphinha.
Long-time admirers Arsenal, who missed out on the former Elland Road favourite a year ago, are reportedly planning to renew their interest too. Under director Edu Gaspar, the Emirates has become home to a whole host of Portuguese-speakers.
Is Barcelona’s Raphinha heading to Arsenal or Newcastle United?
But, as far as Raphinha is concerned, reports of his departure have been greatly exaggerated.
“Fake news,” the 26-year-old retorts. “Whoever shared that news is not well informed. (The rumours are) not professional.”
After a slow start, Raphinha has grown in importance and stature under Xavi Hernandez as the season has progressed. In all competitions, he has 10 goals while setting up 11 more.
“He has been good. Not only for his goals, but also with his defensive work,” Xavi said back in February of his £70 million-rated forward. “He’s a (highly) criticised player. But he does a lot and we value him a lot.
“We will always support Raphinha. He is the future of Barcelona.”
Raphinha is not the only Barcelona player linked with a move away from the Camp Nou; Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres among those facing uncertain futures.
Barca have also confirmed that legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets will leave when his contract expires in July.
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