Transfer Centre

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur to rival Newcastle United for Barcelona winger Raphinha?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 27 April 2023

Arsenal, Spurs to rival Newcastle for Barcelona's Raphinha?

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur may reportedly consider joining the race to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly hold an interest in securing a summer deal for Barcelona winger Raphinha.

The Brazil international is only in the first year of a long-term deal at Camp Nou and has played his part in the Catalan giants closing in on the La Liga title.

Raphinha has contributed six goals and five assists from 19 starts and 10 substitute outings in Spain's top flight, many of those being decisive moments in matches.

Nevertheless, few players are currently unavailable for transfer at Barcelona, a consequence of the club's well-documented financial issues and need to make substantial cutbacks.

Furthermore, there is growing momentum regarding the return of Lionel Messi, providing that club officials can find a way to facilitate an emotional reunion for all involved.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Xavi had no intention of giving the green light to the sale of Raphinha unless Barcelona stood to nearly double their money on the 26-year-old.

However, according to AS, Barcelona's hierarchy remain open to doing business with a number of Premier League clubs who hold an interest.

The report suggests that the club's boardroom are split over a potential departure, but recognise that it might be necessary to fulfil their other plans in the summer.

As well as the Messi situation, Barcelona are eager to register new contracts for the likes of Alejandro Balde and Gavi, the latter currently only being on an academy deal.

Barcelona's Raphinha in action with Manchester United's Jadon Sancho on February 15, 2023 © Reuters

Raphinha, a former Leeds United star, is said to have admirers in each of Arsenal, Spurs and Newcastle United ahead of next season.

Arsenal, who are now outsiders in the Premier League title race, possess an established front three, but Mikel Arteta requires extra depth for next season's Champions League return.

Spurs, meanwhile, are struggling to qualify for European football's premier competition and are currently without a permanent manager, but chairman Daniel Levy will want to strengthen in the final third in the summer.

Newcastle are another team who are bidding to play in the Champions League next season and any acquisition of Raphinha would represent one of their biggest additions since their well-documented takeover towards the end of 2021.