Newcastle prepare mega-money offer to beat Arsenal to Barcelona star; Catalans ‘happy’ to let him leave

Newcastle are reportedly ‘willing’ to pay a large sum to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer, with the former Leeds star heavily linked with a departure. 

Eddie Howe has openly admitted he wants to bring in some ‘elite’ players. Now, with the Magpies destined to qualify for the Champions League, they are in for a busy transfer window.

Indeed, Raphinha certainly has the quality to take Newcastle up another level. So, it will be interesting to see if they get their man.

Howe has overseen a remarkable turnaround at St James’ Park. As it stands, Newcastle sit in third place in the Premier League table – on track for their best season since 2002.

Therefore, Howe and Dan Ashworth will bring in some big signings this summer as they look to solidify Newcastle’s spot among Europe’s elite.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Newcastle are ‘ready’ to rival Arsenal for Raphinha’s signature this summer. Although, it has been unclear whether Barcelona would be willing to let him go.

However, given their ongoing financial issues, they could be forced to sell some of their key players to fund their own transfer business. So, Newcastle certainly have a chance of signing the Brazil international.

READ MORE:‘We’ll see what happens…’ £61m Newcastle, Chelsea target fuels exit rumours in bombshell interview

Newcastle ‘willing’ to pay €80m for Raphinha

Now, a report from Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness) discusses Newcastle’s interest in Raphinha, when covering the sitatuion of Deco – his agent

Barcelona have already confirmed their sporting director, Jordi Cruyff, will leave on June 30th.

Deco i in contention to replace him and prior to joining the LaLiga champions, he must comply with the conditions put forward by Joan Laporta.

Laporta wants Deco to end ties with the Raphinha and all his other clients in order to arrive at the club.

Now, with regards to the player’s future, Sport state Newcastle are ‘willing to pay €80m (approx. £69.5m) for him this summer.

The report adds Barcelona are ‘happy to welcome the sale of the player’ for that amount.’ Therefore, Deco must convince his client to accept the transfer to Newcastle, before joining the Spanish club as their new sporting director.

If true, this puts Newcastle ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign him. The only question, is whether Arsenal will respond with their own improved offer.

Raphinha’s preference is to stay at the Camp Nou. But, as mentioned, Barcelona may be forced to sell him to ease their ongoing financial problems.

So, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle prise Raphinha away from the Spanish giants this summer.

READ MORE: Newcastle in summer window ‘madness’ as £88m raid on Chelsea emerges, with Man Utd transfer hopes left in tatters