Barcelona will try to keep Newcastle target Raphinha at the Camp Nou this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Reports in the Catalan media have linked the Brazilian with a move to St James’ Park as Barca are struggling financially, but Romano believes the La Liga club have no intention of sanctioning a sale:
“I’m sure Barcelona are very happy with Raphinha, so, again, let’s see what happens with Financial Fair Play. But Barcelona wants to trust Raphinha for the present and the future, he loves the club.”
Raphinha rejected Chelsea to make the £55m switch to Spain last year, but there was even speculation in January that he could return to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old failed to establish himself as a regular starter in the first half of the season, and it reportedly led to Arsenal making an offer to bring him back to England.
However, Barcelona are said to have turned down the bid and, from Romano’s comments, it appears they remain steadfast in their resolve to keep him. Whether Financial Fair Play will force them to change their mind, though, we shall have to wait and see.