Barcelona would like Raphinha to leave this summer so they can reinvest in another forward, according to a report.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Raphinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Super Copa de España semi-final match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at King Fahd International Stadium on January 12, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Barcelona-based journalist Santi Ovalle claims that Barcelona are looking to sell Raphinha this summer so they can reinvest the funds.

“They would like Raphinha to leave,” Ovalle told Què T’hi Jugues. “Because that way, with these sales (for Raphinha and Ilkay Gundogan), they could go for strong moves in the front line.”

If Raphinha is indeed available in the final fortnight of the summer transfer window, you’d think Arsenal would be in the mix for his signature.

Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha (L) vies with Villarreal’s French midfielder Francis Coquelin during the Spanish League football match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on February 12, 2023. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP) (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Both Arsenal and Barcelona have clearly been primarily interested in Nico Williams this summer, but the Athletic Club winger looks increasingly likely to remain with his current club.

Should that happen, Arsenal would have to turn to other targets to reinforce their squad in forward areas.

Previous reports have suggested that former Gunners target Raphinha would be keen to return to the Premier League, and Arsenal have reportedly been informed of his availability.

Brazil’s Raphinha celebrates after scoring against Paraguay during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on February 1, 2022. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal made enquiries for Raphinha’s signing in 2022, before he left Leeds United for Barcelona.

Edu Gaspar confirmed he held talks with Raphinha’s agent, but once it was clear the player wanted to go to Barcelona, things didn’t progress any further.

The winger is clearly fond of Arsenal, naming the Gunners earlier this year as a club he likes outside of Spain, and admitting “I love Arsenal” in an interview in 2023.

Still just 27 and with plenty of Premier League experience, Raphinha would make a strong signing for the club if Barcelona want to sell.

The winger scored 10 goals and assisted 13 in 37 games in 2023/24. He can play on both flanks, making him a useful potential addition to Mikel Arteta’s forward options.

Barcelona now looking to sell Arsenal-linked winger

Barcelona would like Raphinha to leave this summer so they can reinvest in another forward, according to a report.