According to the latest update from Gerard Romero, Newcastle United have acted on their interest in Barcelona winger Raphinha by tabling an offer.
As per the reports, the Premier League club, who will be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, have sent in an offer worth €30 million plus midfield mainstay Bruno Guimaraes in exchange for the Brazilian international.
Raphinha joined Barça only last summer, arriving from Leeds United in a deal worth €65 million including add-ons. After a slow start to life in Catalonia, the 26-year-old grew in stature with time and finished the season as a crucial player for the La Liga champions.
However, given the Blaugrana’s need to sell players, Raphinha has been constantly linked with a summer exit despite reports suggesting that Barça do not intend to sell him in the summer.
Reports have suggested that an offer close to €70 million or more could convince the La Liga champions to part ways with the attacker.
Newcastle United, for one, have shown the strongest interest in Raphinha and now have made an offer for him. As per the report, the Magpies are putting €30 million in cash on the table along with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, whose market value is €60 million.
Guimaraes is a player that has been on the radars of Barcelona as a possible replacement for Sergio Busquets. However, his steep valuation meant that his signing was never really considered seriously.
Given how important the Brazilian midfielder is for Newcastle United, it does seem strange that they would be willing to sacrifice him in order to get their hands on Raphinha.
If there is such an offer on the table, it could appeal to Barcelona. However, it is hard to imagine that the Premier League club have offered up one of their best and most important players as part of a deal for the Blaugrana attacker.