Barcelona Winger Raphinha does not want to leave the club for next season despite interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and the Saudi clubs, according to Spanish publication Sport.
Forbes revealed In February, Spurs had already made a £60m bid for the former Leeds United winger. Raphinha is considered one of the Spanish club's most salable assets amid its financial problems.
Barcelona may be required to make a sale this summer and rather than part ways with regular starters like Pedri, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong or Gavi, they would prefer to sell a fringe player like Raphinha. Despite only signing for the club in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian winger has fallen down the pecking order.
The reason for Raphinha's situation at Barcelona is more the circumstances than his own. The arrival of Lamine Yamal and the prodigious talent he possesses has seen Xavi Hernández make the 16-year-old his first choice on the right wing.
Could Raphinha be expelled?
Although Raphinha may not have been considered a Culer by Barcelona fans, he has 37 goal contributions in 78 games for the club. That's almost a goal contribution every second game, which is not a bad record.
Raphinha's situation has alerted the country's clubs first division. As well as Tottenham, the report says that Arsenal are also showing interest in bringing the South American back to England this summer.
However, the north London giants face a battle to lure him back to these shores as Sport say Raphinha shows no intention of leaving Barcelona any time soon.
Although the Brazilian does not want to leave the club, Barcelona could force him to leave in the summer if they need to make a sale. Of all the positions on the field, Raphinha is perhaps the only player the club can sell, and he won't do them much harm.
Tottenham's signing of Raphinha is very intriguing, but it may not be the smartest decision. Stylistically very similar to Dejan Kulusevski, it can be difficult to fit both wingers into the same eleven and both players will likely want to start.
On the other hand, Raphinha has no way of entering Arsenal before Bukayo Saka. Between the two north London clubs, the Brazilian is likely to choose Spurs if necessary as there is more scope for regular action at New White Hart Lane.
Soccer is a fun game and things change quickly. If Spurs want the 27-year-old, they should keep an eye on his situation at Barcelona, as there is a good chance he will be available in the summer.
