Barcelona midfielder and alleged Arsenal target Rafinha is reportedly set to ask for a January transfer if his playing time doesn’t increase.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Rafinha is rather concerned about his lack of game time at Barcelona after he returns from injury. As a result, the 24-year-old could reportedly push for a January move.

Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, Inter and Juventus, have all supposedly shown an interest in the central midfielder.

Rafinha, who’s been at Barca his entire career, is apparently getting anxious about not getting picked for the World Cup next summer.

In fact, if Ernesto Valverde doesn’t play Rafinha during the Spanish Cup last 16 clash against Celta Vigo or Barca’s La Liga matches versus Levante or Real Sociedad in January, the Brazil international will reportedly ask to leave.

These claims are in direct contrast to what his father said back in October.

“The important thing is that he’s feeling better,” Mazinho told Radio Marca.

“Our concern is that he recovers, that he can return to a football pitch. We haven’t talked to anyone because with an injured player, it’s difficult to negotiate anything with other clubs.

“Besides, we have no interest [in leaving] either. We have a contract with Barca.

“Rafinha’s fine, he’s recovering, carrying out his work, and he’ll be back soon. I’ve had a perfect relationship with Barca since 2005 and I have no complaints.”

Rafinha has been sidelined with a knee injury since April and had to undergo another surgery in October. Therefore, it’s unclear whether he’ll be fit in time for the January fixtures. However, he’s expected to be.

Last season, the midfielder made 18 appearances in La Liga, scored six goals and assisted two.

As it stands, he has until June 2020 on his current contract and Transfermarkt value him at €15m – or £13.3m.

Situations do change very quickly in football but he’s been out since April. I’m pretty sure he would understand not getting picked for every game straight away.

Therefore, I doubt he would actively push for a move away from his childhood club mid-season if he didn’t immediately make the Barca first team right after Christmas.

However, we won’t really know anything until he’s fit.