Barcelona ‘receive £55m bid’ for Arsenal, Newcastle eye as Aston Villa ‘plan move’

Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha after the Catalan giants received a £55million bid for the Brazilian.

Raphinha made his name at Leeds United after joining the Premier League for just under £18m following their promotion in 2020.

The 27-year-old became an instant hit at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists in total before securing a lucrative move to Barcelona.

Arsenal and Chelsea were reportedly in the running for his signature in the summer of 2022 and the latter had a bid accepted by Leeds.

However, Raphinha was prioritising a dream move to Barcelona and the La Liga club hijacked the transfer from the Blues.

Things have been far from rosy for the Brazilian in Catalonia, and he has been the subject of transfer rumours ever since leaving Leeds.

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Arsenal and Chelsea have been keeping an eye on his situation, while Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham have also been considered.

A recent report stated that The Magpies are willing to spend a ‘fortune’ to sign Raphinha.

The latest Premier League club to enter the race is Aston Villa, who could sign a new winger after selling Moussa Diaby to Saudi club Al Ittihad for around £50 million.

The Villans were very ambitious in the summer transfer window, having qualified for the Champions League.

They are the biggest spenders in Europe this summerspending just under £150 million on Ian Maatsen, Cameron Archer, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, Ross Barkley and Jaden Philogene.

The sale of Diaby – which also makes them the best sellers in the summer showcase – has given Unai Emery’s side the freedom to spend a little more, and Raphinha is reportedly a top target on the right wing.

Aston Villa ‘planning move’ for Arsenal-linked Barcelona star

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are now “planning a move” for Raphinha.

The report claims that Emery values ​​the Brazilian winger’s Premier League experience and believes he is a “lethal” forward who can come straight into his team.

Villa could struggle to sign Raphinha amid reports in Spain claiming Barcelona have received a €65m (£55m) offer from an unnamed Saudi club for the former Leeds favourite.

The report notes that Arsenal are also interested, but Raphinha is unwilling to leave. However, the potential signings of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig and Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao could leave him with little choice but to move on.

The £55m offer put forward is considered too low for Barcelona to accept, even though they are desperately hoping to raise funds.

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have recently been linked with Raphinha, who has become more valuable to Barca in recent months.

The La Liga giants are now more reluctant to part with the striker, but their financial situation means they cannot rule out a sale, reportedly asking Al Hilal to fork out close to €90m.

Arsenal could enter the race to sign Raphinha, with director of football Edu Gaspar reportedly willing to offer around £40m while also tempting the player by offering the No.10 shirt, which Fulham-linked Emile Smith Rowe is expected to vacate.

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