18 April 2023 , 18:28
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The Barcelona hierarchy and manager Xavi are unhappy with £55million signing Raphinha's attitude - four months after rejecting a bid from Arsenal which would've seen them make a profit.
Raphinha, 26, was a transfer target for Mikel Arteta and co last summer but ultimately got his dream move to the Camp Nou. The Brazilian winger may've scored a respectable nine goals and registered nine assists across 41 appearances but he's ultimately failed to deliver on his price tag so far - and made more headlines for his behaviour off the ball than on it.
Not for the first time, Raphinha threw a tantrum after being substituted in the 87th minute of Barcelona's frustrating 0-0 draw away to Getafe on Sunday. Having done the same last week when Xavi brought him off during a home game against Girona and when Manchester United came to town in February, Mundo Deportivo report that his attitude is beginning to wear on Barca chiefs.
As well as the three aforementioned incidents that the public saw, it's alleged that the fiery 26-year-old also took issue when Xavi pulled him up during a training session for being too aggressive and kicking some of his team-mates. Raphinha wasn't at all pleased with his boss and left the training ground furious, it's claimed.
The Brazil international's future at the Camp Nou is now uncertain and the news follows a lucrative offer from Arsenal in the January transfer window which was turned down. Having missed out on Raphinha while at Leeds, where he enjoyed two impressive seasons, the Gunners lodged a bid worth more than £60m in the hope of a more successful outcome, according to Sport.
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Arsenal's renewed interest came after missing out on Ukrainian wonderkid Mykhaylo Mudryk to London rivals Chelsea. Eventually, the Gunners got their hands on Brighton star Leandro Trossard, who's gone on to have a positive impact on Arteta's side as they challenge for the Premier League title.
Raphinha has failed to impress at Barcelona after signing for £55m (Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)Have your say! Will Raphinha come good at Barcelona? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.
As for Raphinha's fate, he may be available again in the summer, although Xavi has publicly him to show why Barcelona were so keen to shell out such a sizeable transfer fee on the former Sporting Lisbon and Rennes star. In February, the Spanish boss declared: "He's a criticised player, but he does a lot and we value him a lot. We will always support Raphinha, he's the future of Barcelona."
Xavi also argued that Raphinha's reaction to being subbed against United in their Europa League tie was a "positive," adding: "I see and understand Raphinha's anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone. Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn't have to. I see it as a positive that everyone wants to play."