Barcelona reject Arsenal’s €90m Raphinha offer, make new request

Barcelona have rejected Arsenal’s €90 million move for Raphinha, and demanded a three-figure sum in order to consider selling their most in-form player.

The 27-year-old Brazil international has enjoyed a stellar season with Barca, scoring 12 goals and creating 10 more in just 17 appearances.

Raphinha’s brilliant form has led to Arsenal reigniting their interest in the winger, having previously tried to sign him in 2022 from Leeds before he moved to Barcelona.

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It has been widely reported over the last week that Arsenal have been preparing a €90m bid for Raphinha.

However, according to Fichajes, Barcelona have immediately knocked back Arsenal’s interest.

The Blaugrana view Raphinha as an irreplaceable player, with manager Hansi Flick such a big fan that he has even handed him the captaincy.

Fichajes reports that Barcelona have told Arsenal they will not even consider a sale unless the Gunners increase their offer to more than €100m.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal would be open to tabling such a massive offer for a player who turns 28 next month.

There have been ongoing rumours in Spain that Barcelona would consider selling Raphinha for an astronomical amount and use the money to sign long-term target Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.

Mikel Arteta a fan Raphinha

Mikel Arteta is said to appreciate Raphinha’s ability to play off either flank, while the Spaniard wants to reinforce the Gunners’ attack with a player who is both dynamic and creative. Raphinha clearly ticks these two boxes.

Although Arteta typically tries to sign players who have Premier League experience, which Raphinha does from his time at Leeds United, the profile of Arsenal’s transfer targets are typically younger.

Any players who are older, for example Leandro Trossard or Jorginho, have typically come at a substantially lower cost than the price being talked about for Raphinha.

On top of all of this, the Gunners do not yet have a sporting director in place, with PSG’s highly rated Luis Campos one of the names they are considering for the post.