Barcelona manager Xavi has ruled out the possibility of Arsenal transfer target Raphinha leaving the Catalan club this summer.
Raphinha joined the Blaugrana last year, with the Gunners and London rivals Chelsea both missing out on a deal to sign the Brazilian international from Leeds United. But that hasn't stopped reports linking the 26-year-old with a move away in recent times and the player himself added fuel to the fire by admitting that he 'loved' Mikel Arteta's side earlier this year.
Now, Xavi has claimed that the former Leeds attacker won't be going anywhere as he's an important part of the La Liga champions' squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Speaking about the winger's future at the Nou Camp, the Spaniard said, via the Express : "Raphinha is not on the market.
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"He’s staying at Barcelona and will help us a lot. He’s a crucial player for me and a really important player. He makes the difference.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu previously spoke openly about his side's interest in the Barcelona star, revealing he spoke directly with Raphinha's agent Deco before a move to north London failed to materialise. Speaking to Sky Sports last summer, he said: "People think we went in too deep about Raphinha because Raphinha was everywhere. It's fair we did have some conversations with Deco because Deco is his agent, and I have a good relationship [with him] – we are friends.
"I just said to Deco, 'Can you explain to me the situation with Raphinha?' and he was clear. 'Edu, we have a good relationship, but I'm not going to lie to you, his idea is to go to Barcelona because he's dreaming of going to Barcelona, and we've been talking to Barcelona since a long time ago.'
"Okay, thank you very much. If something happens, then just let me know because I can explore and understand the situation. If not, no problem, and we carry on with our relationship."
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