Arsenal are reportedly interested in the Barcelona attacker Raphinha. The 29-year-old has been one of the best players in the world since joining, with 18 goal contributions this season. According to Fichajes, Arsenal have long admired the player and are prepared to reignite their interest in the attacker. Mikel Arteta has tried to sign the player in the past. However, Barcelona does not plan to lose him anytime soon.
Despite recording 56 direct goal contributions (34 goals, 22 assists) for Barcelona in 57 appearances last season, the Brazilian winger finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting. Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele won the award, while Lamine Yamal, Vitinha and Mohamed Salah all ranked above Raphinha. After France Football and L'Equipe decide the 30-player shortlist, one journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings then votes for their top 10, with points being awarded based on their position.
This is because the club has decided to rest Raphinha after the Brazilian winger suffered a muscle overload, adding to a list of players currently being monitored by the medical staff. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha has not trained with the group as the team began preparations for the weekend fixture. The forward is dealing with an overload in his right adductor muscle, and the coaching staff is unwilling to risk worsening the problem.
As Barcelona gear up for their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Albacete, uncertainty has emerged around the availability of Raphinha. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian winger did not train with the group in Barcelona's final session before the trip, placing his involvement in Tuesday's knockout tie in serious doubt. Barcelona completed their last training session on Monday ahead of their journey to Albacete, with the focus on avoiding any surprises in the cup.
According to an update shared by Mundo Deportivo, an interesting revelation has emerged from within Real Madrid circles. It has come to light that club president Florentino Perez has privately admitted to people close to him that Raphinha is the Barcelona player he admires the most. This confession is particularly striking given the talent Barcelona currently boast, including global sensations like Lamine Yamal and midfield maestro Pedri. Yet, in Perez's eyes, it is the Brazilian winger who stands above the rest.
His actions have not gone down well, leading to accusations of a lack of sportsmanship, and Laporta felt the France captain had not behaved correctly. He told RAC-1: "I'm surprised by what he did. In victory and defeat you have to be generous and respectful. This is sport and you must show good behaviour. I think we, in victory, were generous and respected the opposing team. That's why I can't understand it."
