Tottenham join Arsenal, Newcastle in race for €90 million-rated Barcelona winger

Barcelona, in a dire financial situation, have to reduce their wage bill by over €200 million in the summer before they can even try to make signings in the transfer window.

They can do this in several ways, including trying to bring in sponsorships for the new stadium and shirts, pulling more financial levers, negotiating salaries with the high-earners, but the quickest way is likely to sell players that do not fit their squad.

The likes of Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, Eric Garcia, and Jordi Alba, among others are on this list, but one cannot rule out that Barcelona might have to offload players that they want retain.

Raphinha is one of the players that has a lot of suitors on the market, and could act as an emergency lever in the summer. Arsenal and Newcastle United are two of the teams interested in his services, but are joined by Tottenham Hotspur in the race, according to a report by AS.

While Barcelona’s intention is not to sell him, they also know that some compromises will have to be made if they want to sign Lionel Messi and renew Alejandro Balde. Their stance on Raphinha could change if they receive offers worth around €90 million.

Raphinha, while not Barcelona’s first-choice right-winger, has registered six goals and five goals this season. Ousmane Dembele holds the status as Xavi’s preference on the right flank, but the Frenchman has missed three months with injury.

His place in the team could be further in doubt if and when Barça sign Lionel Messi next season, with both players preferring to occupy areas on the right of centre of the pitch.

As it stands, his case is open, and could largely depend on the offers Barcelona receive from the Premier league, if at all.