Barcelona 'identify Ukraine international as Raphinha replacement'

Regarded as a major coup following his arrival from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, Raphinha's performances in a Barcelona jersey have been solid but not spectacular for a couple of years now.

The Spanish champions beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of the Brazil international, who has posted a respectable set of numbers with 19 goals and 24 assists in 84 games across all tournaments.

Raphinha has nine goals and 12 assists to boast from 34 games in the current campaign, including three strikes against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and assists in back-to-back La Liga matches with Real Madrid and Valencia.

Despite his respectable set of numbers this season, and his long-running contract until 2027, the 27-year-old is just one of a plethora of players whom Barcelona will entertain offers for in the summer transfer window.

Barcelona want Viktor Tsygankov as Raphinha successor?

According to Fichajes, Barcelona have lined up Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov as a potential candidate to take the reins from Raphinha amid his side's remarkable La Liga campaign.

The 26-year-old left Dynamo Kyiv for a mere €5m (£4.3m) in the January 2023 window and has since turned out for Girona on 48 occasions, scoring nine goals and setting up 10 more.

Tsygankov has been hampered by hamstring, leg, knee and calf injuries this season, but he has proven his worth to head coach Michel when fit, contributing six goals and four assists from 25 La Liga matches.

With the Ukrainian's help, Girona emerged as shock title contenders and remain on course for Champions League qualification in third place in the table, just two points shy of reigning champions Barcelona.

Tsygankov's Girona deal also runs until the summer of 2027, though, and Barcelona would supposedly have to battle Bayern Munich should they wish to prise him away from Girona in the current market.

Could Raphinha return to the Premier League this summer?

The immediate future of Raphinha must be addressed before Barcelona can ramp up their efforts to sign Tsygankov, and the former may have a couple of exit routes available to him this summer.

The Saudi Arabia option is inevitable, although the former Leeds and Rennes man apparently does not wish to move to the Middle East, as he still feels that he has plenty to offer in European football.

A Premier League return has been mooted ever since he departed England's top flight, and former suitors Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are all thought to be on the lookout for new wide options this summer.

Liverpool's Luis Diaz being linked with a move to Barcelona raises the idea of a swap or part-exchange deal with Raphinha, whose versatility could come in hand at Anfield for the long-term if Mohamed Salah also quits after another season.