Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona 'set Raphinha asking price'

During the summer transfer window, the versatile attacker was frequently linked with a move away from the Catalan giants at a time when they could have benefitted from recouping a substantial fee from a player sale.

However, on more than one occasion, Raphinha has allegedly pledged his allegiance to Barcelona having secured his dream move to Camp Nou in 2022.

Under Hansi Flick, though, the Brazil international has taken his game to a new level, establishing himself as one of the best performers in world football during the current campaign.

A total of 12 goals and 10 assists have been recorded from just 17 appearances in all competitions, the 27-year-old arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Barcelona set Raphinha asking price

With just over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, Raphinha will naturally receive interest from other clubs should he continue on his current trajectory.

Barcelona will realistically look to tie the player down to fresh terms as soon as possible, albeit it recently being suggested that negotiations are ongoing with other star players.

Nevertheless, as per Fichajes, Barcelona's hierarchy have no intention of entertaining any offers below €100m (£83.64m).

Raphinha is now viewed as an indispensable part of the club's project and only a proposal worth more than the aforementioned figure will be considered.

Furthermore, Raphinha has never shown a willingness to leave Barcelona and that is expected to remain the case should he maintain his current form.

Time for admirers to move on?

Arsenal, along with Chelsea, were interested in Raphinha when he was leaving Leeds United in the summer of 2022, and a level of admiration has remained.

However, it has become evident that Raphinha will only return to the Premier League if he is forced out by Barcelona, that no longer a likely outcome.

There now seems no logic in any team around the world making a renewed attempt to sign Raphinha, who along with Lamine Yamal could be mainstays on the Barcelona flanks for years to come.