– EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Arsenal are eyeing up a summer raid of Barcelona as Ferran Torres and Raphinha are put up for sale with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Liverpool and Newcastle also keen on the Brazilian.
HITC Football understands that Barcelona, who’s financial issues have been well-documented over the last few years, are looking to trim down their expensively-assembled squad again this summer with forwards Raphinha and Ferran Torres two of those made those available for transfer.
The duo arrived at the Camp Nou from Leeds United and Manchester City respectively, and both may be offered a fresh start in the Premier League.
HITC has been informed that Arsenal, who reportedly tried to sign Raphinha before he moved to Spain, are keen. The Gunners boss is also an admirer of Ferran Torres, who joined at City during the summer of 2022, a few months after Mikel Arteta left the Etihad Stadium to take charge at the Emirates.
Arsenal keen on Barcelona duo
Barcelona have informed Torres that they will listen to offers.
Raphinha appears to have the greater number of admirers as things stand, however, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and West Ham all keeping tabs on a player who was Leeds’ stand-out performer during his two top-flight campaigns.
Interestingly, Deco – who worked as Raphinha’s agent before being installed as Barcelona’s sporting director – admitted that Liverpool were interested in the former Elland Road talisman after his superb debut campaign in West Yorkshire.
“There are certainly several clubs that like him, and Liverpool do like him,” Deco told Globo Esporte in 2021. “There were enquiries but nothing official. Leeds wanted to keep him for another season.”
Liverpool are long-time admirers
With Barcelona now ready to consider offers for a player who joined them for £55 million but now has competition from the 16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal, Liverpool could be handed a second chance.
Raphinha’s penchant for cutting inside onto his left foot from the right wing could see him emerge as a potential Mo Salah replacement should Saudi Arabian clubs come calling again.
Ferran Torres, meanwhile, has 11 goals this season and recently scored a hat-trick against Real Betis. His versatility – he can play anywhere across the frontline – will appeal to many a manager.
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