Barcelona star considers exit after Chelsea and Arsenal approach

Jacque Talbot

• 6 May 2023 19:20 BST
• 3 min read

Raphinha is considering leaving Barcelona at the end of the season with Chelsea and Arsenal keen on the attacker.

Sport reports that the move will be the player’s choice and there has been no pressure from the coaching staff or manager.

It is thought that the former Leeds man is weighing up whether to leave as he has concerns about game-time next season, with coach Xavi favouring Ousmane Dembele.

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It means that Raphinha would be second in command to the Frenchman on the flank, while the possible addition of Lionel Messi, currently unsettled at Paris Saint-Germain and out of contract next month, could see Barca be open to offers as well.

It could be that going into the new season, the attacking trio of Messi, Dembele, and Robert Lewandowski lead the line.

But if that were to be the case, there would need to be some outgoings, and Raphinha has been tagged as a possibility to go.

The fact that Carlo Ancelotti could be the new Brazil coach he does depart from Real Madrid could also be a factor in deciding a move in search of game-time - Raphinha was a starter under Tite in the last World Cup but was left out by Ramon Menezes for a friendly against Morocco.

Raphinha settled at Barcelona

Barca is a dream club for Raphinha and he is reportedly happy and settled in the city.

Playing for Barça was a childhood dream of Raphinha's that he has been able to fulfil. It is believed that his agent, Deco, has had three offers so far - one from Newcastle, Chelsea, who last year had already reached a transfer agreement with the Whites, and Arsenal, with Edu a big fan of the star.

Each club have promised Raphinha of a higher salary than the one he is on in Barcelona, but his current club would demand north of £60million for him.