Barcelona are willing to trade Raphinha in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to fund a deal for Lionel Messi’s comeback. And apparently, the Catalan club are ready to negotiate a deal with Arsenal for Raphinha, since the Gunners were interested earlier as well in the winger and even fought for his signature last summer before he eventually chose to sign for the Spanish giants.
The Catalans have reportedly upped their efforts to re-sign Lionel Messi this summer earlier this month. According to reports, the club is in negotiations with La Liga about increasing the flexibility of its Financial Fair Play restrictions. Indeed, the league has already penalised Barcelona for exceeding their FFP limit with three players during the 2021-22 season.
Barcelona desperate to financially make room for Lionel Messi’s return
The La Liga heavyweights are in the throes of a financial crisis and must generate revenue this summer by selling players as well as aiming to reduce the pay cost. Raphinha has featured consistently this season, with nine goals and nine assists in 41 appearances, but he is said to be dissatisfied with not starting in his favoured right-hand side position, something Arsenal might exploit.
On the other hand, Barcelona are reportedly encouraged by the lack of progress in Lionel Messi’s contract negotiations with PSG and will strive to bring the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner back. Nonetheless, they will almost definitely have to trade players to make room for the Argentinian’s return. Raphinha is one of the players rumoured to be on the market.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United have all expressed interest in Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer season, according to AS. Indeed, Barcelona’s board is said to be willing to trade the 26-year-old provided a sufficient return is obtained. Raphinha joined La Liga club from Leeds United for £55 million last summer, and although initially failing to make an impact, he has since impressed for the Catalan giants.
According to Catalunya Radio, the agreement between Barcelona and Lionel Messi is nearing completion as the Blaugrana try to welcome their former captain back to the club in the summer. The 35-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season and is expected to return to his former club. So much so that he reportedly requested that the team do everything possible to re-sign him.
Reports are also suggesting that Messi is willing to accept a huge pay cut in order to achieve a dramatic comeback. However, according to La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play restrictions, the Catalan giants will need to make huge savings this summer before signing any new contracts. The current La Liga leader, as a result, have transfer-listed a host of key-players of their squad.
Raphinha spearheads the list after failing to justify his £55m price tag at the Spotify Camp Nou. Moreover, the Brazilian operates in the same position as Messi, and hence is departure would the club accommodate their all-time topscorer both financially as well as technically on the pitch. However, it remains to be seen now whether Arsenal, or any of his potential suitors show interest in the former Leeds winger in the summer.