Raphinha has well and truly emerged as one of Barcelona’s best players this season and has proven why he deserves the captain’s armband over any other player in the dressing room.
The player is in the form of his life and is racking up goals and assists for fun across all competitions and it is strange even thinking that his sale was a serious discussion last summer.
Given his form, Barcelona value the Brazilian’s commitment dearly but a departure next summer cannot be ruled out if an exorbitant offer comes in. Needless to say, however, the Blaugrana have established the baseline below which they will not consider any offers.
Premier League offer rejected
As relayed by Fichajes in a recent update, Chelsea attempted to negotiate a transfer for the Brazilian winger and proposed a fee of €60 million to Barcelona. In addition, they also offered €25 million in variables.
The Catalans, however, did not budge or even consider the offer as they see the player to be worth nothing less than €100 million.
Barcelona rejected Chelsea’s offer for Raphinha. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
They rejected the offer and are aware of the importance the player is establishing under Hansi Flick. The club is clear that they will only consider a sale should an offer of over €100 million arrive.
Given the player’s form this season, it is disrespectful that he is even being linked with a move away from the club and Barcelona will, in all probability, opt against selling the captain at any cost.
Yet, it is clear that his future will be an interesting topic next summer for it may prove to be a tug-of-war between Barcelona’s economic situation, Raphinha’s love for the club and offers from across Europe.
After all, Chelsea’s overall offer of €85 million is not far off from Barcelona’s asking price and nothing can be ruled out.
So far this season, the 27-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided six assists for Barcelona in La Liga and averages a staggering 3.2 key passes per game.