Raphinha fuels transfer speculation after admitting admiration for Premier League side

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 20 Feb 2023 19:40 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona star Raphinha has spoken about his admiration for Arsenal.

The Gunners failed to sign the Brazilian winger last summer and he ended up joining the Blaugrana from Leeds.

But the 26-year-old has openly stated that he is a fan of Mikel Arteta’s side - as well as Paris Saint-Germain.

READ MORE: Barcelona given hope of Lionel Messi return

Speaking to Spanish reporter Adri Contreras, Raphinha was asked about what clubs he likes.

To which he said: “The team where I’d never play in my life: Real Madrid. Other Spanish clubs I like? Only Barca.

“Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are two clubs I like, outside Spain.”

Arsenal may well have a line open to bring Raphinha in for the upcoming window - but Barcelona boss Xavi has said that he wants to keep hold of the former Leeds man.

Raphinha, who moved to the Nou Camp for around £55m last summer, put in a good display during his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United last Thursday, despite being hooked off early, much to his visible dismay.

Xavi backs Raphinha

But, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Xavi said that he has every faith in the attacker, who he

called ‘extraordinary’.

“I’m the one who has trusted him the most,” said the former Barcelona midfielder. “He’s the player with the most assists of the team. He scores, in the 1v1 he’s daring more… he’s extraordinary. When there was criticism, I had no doubt that Raphinha was going to succeed here,” he added.

Raphinha impressed in the Premier League with 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 games for Leeds, following his move to the Yorkshire side from Rennes in 2020.

His displays earned him a call-up to the Brazil national side. He left the Whites after Barca came in for him - even though there was huge interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.