Barcelona ready to sell Raphinha to Arsenal to finance Lionel Messi's return to the Nou Camp

Barcelona are ready to sell one of their wingers to Arsenal in the hope of financing a deal for Lionel Messi’s return.

Earlier this month it emerged that Barcelona were stepping up their efforts to re-sign Messi this summer.

The club are reportedly in talks with La Liga about generating more flexibility in their Financial Fair Play regulations. Indeed, the club have been charged by the league for breaching their FFP limit with three players during the 2021-22 season.

Nevertheless, Barcelona have allegedly been buoyed by a lack of progress in Messi’s contract talks with PSG and will push to bring the seven-time Balon d’Or winner back.

Yet they will almost certainly have to move players on to accommodate the Argentinian's return.

One of those players that have been tipped to be sold is Raphinha.

Raphinha to Arsenal?

According to AS, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have retained an interest in Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window.

Indeed, Barcelona’s board are thought to be open to selling the 26-year-old if they receive a significant return on the player.

The La Liga club signed Raphinha from Leeds United for £55million last summer, and despite initially failing to make an impact he has impressed for the Catalan giants of late.

Indeed, the Brazil international has netted nine goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances so far this season.

Yet, Raphinha reportedly does not feel completely valued by Barcelona, given the club want to use his sale to pave the way for Messi to return.

Barcelona manager Xavi has given no indication he wants to part ways with the 26-year-old.

Speaking in February, Xavi described the Brazilian as ‘the future of Barcelona’.

“He’s a criticised player but he does a lot and we value him a lot”, Xavi said.

“We will always support Raphinha – he’s the future of Barcelona.”