Manchester United and Arsenal on alert as Barcelona star is put up for sale: report

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Manchester United and Arsenal could compete in the transfer market for one of Barcelona's best attackers this summer

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, shakes hands with Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on September 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United and Arsenal are on alert after Barcelona reportedly put one of their star forwards up for sale ahead of the summer transfer window.

United and Arsenal are both in the market for attacking players this summer as they prepare to challenge champions Manchester City in the Premier League next term.

Barcelona attacker Raphinha is a proven Premier League player, having spent time at Leeds United prior to his move to the Catalan club, and the Brazilian is understood to be admired by United, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Raphinha in action for Barcelona.

Raphinha in action for Barcelona. (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Barcelona-based outlet SPORT, the Blaugrana are ready to sell Raphinha to fund a move for Athletic Club's highly-rated forward Nico Williams.

Raphinha has had mixed reviews in his two seasons at Barcelona and in order to strengthen this summer, the Catalan club are seemingly prepared to sell the Brazilian back to the Premier League.

The winger, who has scored 20 goals in 87 appearances for Barcelona, is under contract at the La Liga giants until 2027.

Former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is expected to take over at Barcelona this summer after Xavi's departure, but the German is understood to have been told that player sales will be needed due to the club's delicate financial situation.

In FourFourTwo's view, it looks like Raphinha may well leave Barcelona and the Brazilian would be an exciting addition at United, Arsenal or Spurs. He is already proven in the Premier League and would therefore command a decent fee, so a return to England could well be on the cards this summer.

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Ben Hayward
Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.

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