Exclusive: The decision Barcelona have now taken with Raphinha amid Arsenal interest

TBR Football can exclusively confirm what Barcelona have now decided to do with Raphinha amid interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners have had a solid enough season so far but there’s certainly scope for them to strengthen their ranks at the end of the campaign.

Arsenal have been hit particularly badly in attack, so a number of attacking reinforcements could be on the cards at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have been linked with Raphinha for a while now, and this season has been especially fruitful for the Barcelona winger.

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Arsenal acknowledge Raphinha is not available as new Barcelona contract talks under way

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Barcelona sporting director Deco has already begun initial discussions with Raphinha’s camp.

Barca are absolutely delighted with Raphinha – indeed, they believe he could win the Ballon d’Or if they win the Champions League, and the player is also loving life at the club.

Now, TBR Football understands that Barca are ready to hand Raphinha a ‘substantial’ pay rise.

Currently he is in the mid-pack of earners following his move from Leeds and, as arguably the most in-form player in Spain, he is set to get his reward.

Sources close to the player have confirmed to TBR Football that talks are due to begin and the player is ready to commit as he is loving life in Catalunya.

We can also confirm that his people have heard nothing, nor do they expect to, from his former suitors including Arsenal.

Arsenal tried to sign him before, but they have not made any contact with him recently as they realise that he is not available. The same is true of Liverpool.

We are told that Arsenal would be interested if he was available – but that is just not the case.

Arsenal are planning for the summer to bring in a wide forward but Raphinha is not even on their radar at this stage.

How Raphinha has fared this season

Raphinha has been at Barcelona since 2022, when they signed him from Leeds United in in £55million move.

The Brazilian’s first two seasons at Camp Nou were decent but not spectacular, only just getting into double figures for goals, though he managed over a dozen assists.

However, Raphinha has gone up another level this season, with a staggering 25 goals and 18 assists from 40 games in all competitions.

Raphinha has also played much more this season than in his first two campaigns, highlighting his importance to the Blaugrana.

Deco revealed last year that he received offers for Raphinha during the summer transfer window, and suggested there was a “temptation to sell” due to financial issues at the Camp Nou.

However, he held firm because Barca “had to increase the level, not lower it”, and now they’re reaping the rewards with Raphinha.