Arsenal and Newcastle monitor developments with Raphinha as Barcelona consider a sale

Arsenal and Newcastle are monitoring Raphinha’s situation at Barcelona with the LaLiga leaders weighing up whether to sell the Brazilian to raise much needed funds.

Raphinha only left Leeds United for Barcelona in August but there are rumblings along La Rambla that Raphinha could be sold this summer.

The 26-year-old Brazilian did what many others didn’t and turned down Chelsea to secure his ‘dream move’ to Barcelona for £50million. 

However, with Barca searching for solutions on how to meet financial guidelines, Raphinha is emerging as one of the most likely candidates to be sacrificed to recoup much needed funds.

Arsenal and Newcastle, who were both keen last summer, are monitoring developments but are well aware of Barca’s plight and there are no guarantees they will recoup their desired price.

French winger Ousmane Dembele remains a favoured option for Barcelona head coach Xavi

Xavi still has Ousmane Dembele as a favoured winger he can call upon. The Frenchman has a £45m buy out clause but is expected to stay.

Leeds United, who have looked at a number of Barca fringe players, may boost Barca’s finances slightly as they are now keen on 19-year-old Spanish youth international Ilias Akhomach.

Barcelona were informed last month that they would have to raise £178m from selling current players if they are to have any chance of entering the market.

Club president Joan Laporta had previously claimed the club was in a strong position and vowed no player sales would be necessary, but revealed plan to cut £150m from the wage bill.

Raphinha was among Barcelona’s big money arrivals last summer, alongside  Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde, despite the Catalans being hamstrung by monetary issues.

Barcelona triggered several economic levers, including selling their TV rights, in order to be able to afford the costly outlay, but still are thought to be in debt to the tune of around £1billion.