Barça knows about the interest, but for now they want him to continue prioritizing other exits
The sports area of the Blaugrana club knows that they must sell players and studies all situations
Chelsea was left last year wanting to sign Raphinha, but they don’t forget him. The London club has already expressed its interest in signing the Brazilian in the next summer market and at Barça they are aware of this. The Blaugrana club is satisfied with its progress, although it has had an irregular season and would prioritize other sales that would generate more net profit for the entity, although the sports area will study it on a case-by-case basis in a summer that can be very busy.
Raphinha has established himself in the Blaugrana ownership after Dembélé’s injury and has had high football moments this season although he is not having his best moment right now. The footballer’s idea, who is very happy in Barcelona, is to continue in the team and Xavi sees room for improvement, but Barça will be forced to sell for millions of dollars to balance the salary margin and it is clear that Raphinha could end up being an emergency solution if other footballers do not want or cannot leave.
Chelsea bid with Barça a few months ago to get the signing of Raphinha. His transfer offer to Leeds was higher than that of the blaugrana, but the footballer decided to sign for the blaugrana club as a priority and the operation was finally closed for 58 million euros plus seven in variables. It was the most expensive signing of this season, so the sale, if carried out, should be for an amount greater than what was paid at the time.
Raphinha’s agent, former player Deco, has been in Brazil for weeks and plans to return to Europe in mid-April. Deco is also aware of this interest from Chelsea, but maintains his bet that the player will settle in Barcelona, unless the club ends up betting otherwise. At the moment, the sports area is studying all the possible offers that may come for footballers and at the end of the season the departures will be decided together with the coach, Xavi Hernández. It is necessary to sell for just over 150 million euros so that the club can sign this summer.
Chelsea, who is having a mediocre season, with a change of coach included, is already preparing a new sports project with the departure of up to seven players from its current squad. Its owner, Tood Boehly, has already shown that his pulse does not tremble when it comes to investing money in incorporations and understands that Raphinha can be an important piece in the future. The Brazilian showed very good performance at Leeds and several English clubs -also Arsenal- were interested in him.
At the Blaugrana club they are clear that they must face a complete remodeling of the offensive line. The scoring baggage of the season has been poor and Lewandowski needs to be more covered. The Blaugrana club is going to listen to offers for Ferran Torres and Ansu, but for now the two players are reluctant to leave and the offers that could come would be less than those of the Brazilian.
