Raphinha, who is now debating whether or not to stay at the Nou Camp, may have been given the opportunity to join Arsenal from Barcelona.
According to Sport, the Brazilian is worried about not getting enough playing time the following season and may leave to avoid losing Brazil’s favour.
According to the newspaper, Raphinha is worried about Lionel Messi’s likely return to Barcelona this summer since it would move him down on Xavi’s priority list.
If the Argentine were to come back, Lewandowski, Messi, and Dembélé would form a new attacking trio, leaving Raphinha on the bench and deprived of the consistent playing time required to establish himself as a regular for the Seleçao.
He is now “considering leaving” Barcelona at the end of the current campaign and is aware of his alternatives to play in the Premier League should he so choose.
He has, in fact, had ‘juicy offers’ from England on the table for a number of months, with his agent, Deco, handling interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
Sport reports that the director of football Edu has made “constant calls” to the player’s representative on behalf of the Gunners for “many months.”
Like their Premier League peers, they have told the player that they can improve on his €12 million annual income and that Barcelona will consider a move as long as the price is between €70 and €80 million.
Raphinha is reportedly weighing his departure over concerns over the role he will be given next season. Whether Arsenal is willing to pay that isn’t indicated, but they may suddenly be tempted to.
