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Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha has endured a difficult time at the Camp Nou since joining the Catalan giants from Leeds United in a deal worth around €70 million.
Raphinha has admitted it’s been difficult to adjust to life at the Camp Nou and has also revealed that he hasn’t been happy with his role at the club and has told Xavi he wants to play on the right.
The Brazilian’s indifferent form has seen him lose his place in the starting XI, leading to speculation that Arsenal could try to buy him in the January transfer window after missing out on Shakhtar Donetsk youngster Mykhailo Mudryk.
Barcelona have now named their price for the forward and will demand €100m for the Brazil international, as reported by Diario Sport. President Joan Laporta does not want to sell Raphinha and knows the price is likely to be too high for the Gunners.
Raphinha signed in July on a deal that runs until 2027 and contains a 1 billion euro buyout clause. The Brazilian has gone on to make 21 appearances this season in all competitions but has only scored twice.
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Raphinha Wants To Stay
The prospect of Raphinha leaving in January looks unlikely as the forward has only been at the club for a few months. Barca have been “baffled” by his struggles but are willing to give him time to adjust.
The former Leeds man has sent a message to fans amid the speculation around his future, hinting that he is going nowhere and wants to fulfil his dream of succeeding at Barca. “The first thing you need for a great dream to come true, is to have a great dream,” he wrote on Instagram.
Raphinha’s entourage have also told Mundo Deportivo that the attacker is going nowhere this winter. The message from the Brazilian’s camp is that he remains determind to succeed despite failing to impress so far.
It was also pointed out that Raphinha turned down the opportunity of joining Arsenal in favor of moving to Barcelona in the summer. Raphinha explained during his unveiling that is was always his dream to play for the Catalans.
Xavi Backs Raphinha
Barcelona coach Xavi has also backed Raphinha when asked about the 26-year-old ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Real Betis in Saudi Arabia.
Xavi told a pre-match press conference that the forward remains an important part of his plans even if he is struggling to force his way into the starting XI right now.
“He helps where I need him to. He’s an important player. He has been a starter but more so as a substitute,” he told reporters. “He’s a guarantee coming off the bench. He’s very motivated, understands the space, works hard, he’s important.”
Raphinha could have opportunities to impress in the starting XI coming up. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres will both miss Barca’s next two La Liga games due to suspension which will limit Xavi’s attacking options.
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