Barcelona is ready to sell the 26-year-old star to Arsenal to fund the transfer of Lionel Messi:
Report
Barcelona could be ready to sell Brazilian player Raphinha to Arsenal this summer for the sole purpose of financing the return of Lionel Messi. Reports from Spain (via Metro) say the deal depends on Barca being able to balance the books.
The Catalan giants bought Raphinha from Leeds United last July for £55m. Although the Brazilian initially struggled to find his form, since then he has proven his worth with an impressive figure of 9 goals and 10 assists. after 42 appearances this season.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's possibility of a return to the Camp Nou is a hotly discussed topic, especially as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is about to expire. However, La Liga's financial regulations are a significant obstacle for Barca.
According to reports, the league is asking the club to significantly reduce its wage bill or generate around €200m (£177.1m) in player sales to sign up new players.
According to AS (via Metro), Arsenal and other Premier League clubs have maintained their interest in Raphinha, and some Barca board members are ready to sell the 26-year-old if the price is right. .
As the summer transfer window approaches, Raphinha's potential deal could prove key in reshaping the football landscape and reuniting Lionel Messi with his former side.
Mario Kempes advises Lionel Messi to limit his return to Barcelona
As speculation surrounding Lionel Messi's possible return to Barcelona escalated, several football figures expressed their support. However, the Argentine legend Mario Kempes gave the opposite opinion when he said that Messi should stay in France.
Kempes, who played for Spanish clubs Valencia and Hercules CF during his career, shared his thoughts with Mundo Deportivo, saying (via Barca Universal):
"I don't think it's healthy for him to return to Barcelona. He would be better off in France, to be able to quietly go to the next World Cup, he should stay there. Barcelona's goals are different, they're always after him. depart. There's a lot of problems."
The Argentina icon also encouraged Messi to prioritize the health of the national team, adding:
"It's selfish and thinking about the Argentina national team, he should stay at PSG. For physical and mental peace, he is more likely to go to the national team in France than in Barcelona."
Kempes's comments highlight the potential risks of Messi's return to his beloved club. The 1978 World Cup champion urged his compatriot to consider the interests of the national team and his own health before choosing his next club.
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