Chelsea and Newcastle target Raphinha makes strong statement on transfer rumours

Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard reviews Bournemouth game

Barcelona winger Raphinha has struck back at suggestions that he has given the green light to leave the Nou Camp this summer. Chelsea and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the 26-year-old, who previously impressed in the Premier League during a two-season stint with Leeds United.

Raphinha has performed well since completing a £55million move to Barca last summer. A respectable haul of seven goals and six assists in La Liga so far this term has made him a regular starter under Xavi, although financial difficulties continue to loom large in Catalonia.

As Barcelona once again prepare for a summer of trimming down their wage bill, rumours have picked up pace suggesting that Raphinha could be one of the players on the chopping block due to the likelihood of big-money interest from Premier League sides.

Some reports even suggest that the player has given his ‘OK’ for Barcelona to consider offers, with the club thought to be holding out for at least £70m.

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However, Raphinha has lashed out at such suggestions on Instagram by criticising the aforementioned report, writing: “LIE. The person who said this is beyond a liar and uninformed.”

In a subsequent response, the Brazilian added: “OK, why did you delete my comment? LIE, once again, this ‘OK’ is LIE And whoever said that is a LIAR, MISINFORMED AND UNPROFESSIONAL. If my comment is deleted, I will post it on my Instagram.”

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Although Raphinha stopped short of making it clear whether he will definitely be staying at Barcelona, his passionate comments certainly suggest that he would prefer to extend his stint at the La Liga giants beyond just one season.

Chelsea had an agreement in principle to sign him from Leeds last summer, but the player seemingly stalled for time before Barca swooped in to facilitate his dream move. The tricky winger scored 17 goals in 67 appearances during his time at Elland Road.

The Blues already have a host of options out wide including Raheem Sterling, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, but co-owner Todd Boehly is set to auction off a host of peripheral stars this summer to ease the pressure of a bloated squad.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will be keen to add squad depth during the forthcoming transfer window as they near Champions League qualification. Another winger would be warmly welcomed at St James’ Park amid speculation about Allan Saint-Maximin’s future.

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