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Aston Villa 'eyeing' surprise late move for Barcelona attacker

Late swoop? Aston Villa 'lining up' surprise move for Barca attacker
© Reuters
Aston Villa are reportedly considering whether to make a move for Barcelona's Raphinha in the latter stages of the transfer window.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Villa have made several additions to their side over the summer, including Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene and Enzo Barrenechea.

Unai Emery is still keen to bring in further reinforcements before Friday's deadline, with the Villa boss looking to build a squad that can deal with the demands of Champions League football.

The Villans have recently been linked with a potential move for Raphinha, who is under contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2027.

The Brazilian has previously indicated that he has no plans to leave Barcelona and wants to remain part of Hansi Flick's squad for the 2024-25 campaign.

Barcelona attacker Raphinha on May 19, 2024© Reuters

Villa eyeing Raphinha move

Villa hold an interest despite Raphinha's reported stance, with Fichajes reporting that they are considering whether to make a move before the transfer deadline.

The report claims that Emery is keen to sign a new attacker after seeing Moussa Diaby leave for Al-Ittihad earlier this summer.

However, Villa may find it difficult to strike a deal for Raphinha despite Barcelona's well-documented financial issues.

The Catalan giants will only consider selling Raphinha if they receive a substantial proposal in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Barcelona's Raphinha and Ronald Araujo during the warm up before the match on September 23, 2023© Reuters

Is Raphinha likely to leave Barcelona?

Raphinha has previous experience playing in the Premier League after spending two years with Leeds United before leaving for Barcelona in 2022.

The Brazilian made 65 Premier League appearances during his time at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists.

While Villa are keen to bring him back to the Premier League, it seems unlikely that Raphinha will leave Barcelona at this late stage of the window.

Raphinha has showcased his importance in Barcelona's promising start to the season, playing the duration of all three league games and contributing with a couple of assists.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
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8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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