Premier League giants pull out of race to sign €100 million-marked Barcelona star

Earlier today, Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave an interview, during which he confirmed that the club had been receiving massive offers for some of their players that could easily solve their financial crisis.

He listed down Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde, and Ronald Araujo during this, and followed it up by claiming that the club was not looking to sell any of them.

Apart from this septet, Barcelona have several other players who could be on the transfer list and have a fair few clubs across Europe drooling for their signatures, including three starters in Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha.

The Brazilian has already, in fact, attracted an offer worth €100 million from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal. They are also ready to triple his salary in an attempt to pursue him.

And if reports from across the last few months are to believed, there are a few Premier League teams looking to sign Raphinha.

Newcastle United drop out

This list started with Arsenal, who have been trying to look for a right-winger for a couple of seasons now to alternate with Bukayo Saka.

Chelsea have also been mentioned a few times, which is no surprise given they competed with Barcelona for Raphinha’s signature.

Newcastle United had also been pushing for a move, but if reports from SPORT are to be believed, the Magpies have decided to pull out of the race for Raphinha owing to their financial fair play struggled.

Currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League for next season seems like an uphill task for Newcastle. A spot in any European competition, in fact, is looking tough.

With no European money, and FFP already on their tail, Eddie Howe’s side cannot fathom spending €70-100 million on one player.

Raphinha’s side of the story

Raphinha had claimed from day one that it had been his dream to play for Barcelona, which is why he chose to join the Catalans over Chelsea on a lower salary.

Therefore, he has no intention to leave this early into this ‘dream’ tenure, despite having to compete with first, Ousmane Dembele last season for a spot, and now, against Lamine Yamal.

Not to forget, Barcelona will have to dive into the market to look for his replacement, too, and signing a left-footed right-winger can be tougher than it actually sounds.