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Barcelona midfielder Raphinha is looking forward to playing under new boss Hansi Flick, despite interest from Arsenal and Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian arrived at Camp Nou in the summer of 2022 from Leeds United.
In 87 appearances across competitions, the 27-year-old has contributed 20 goals and 25 assists. That includes 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 games last season - starting 25 - in what was a trophyless campaign for the Blaugrana.
Despite being contracted to the Camp Nou till 2027, Raphinha is not considered indispensable. FCB Live reported an unnamed Saudi club to have submitted a €65 million bid amid interest from the Gunners.
With an exit seemingly imminent, Raphinha, though, is looking forward to life under Flick, who has succeeded previous boss Xavier Hernandez, who left at the end of the last season.
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"I'm very excited to start working under Hansi Flick," Raphinha said (as per Barca Universal).
The midfielder was involved in the 2024 Copa America action in the United States, where Brazil lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-final. Raphinha contributed a goal in four games.
Raphinha included in Barcelona's pre-season squad
New head coach Hansi Flick has named a 31-member squad for Barcelona's pre-season tour of the US. Despite rumors of his summer exit, Raphinha is a part of the group.
Along with the Brazilian, the other attackers in the group are Robert Lewandowski, Vitor Roque, Pau Victor and Toni Fernandez. Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati have been left out due to injury.
The Blaugrana commence their pre-season on Tuesday (July 30) against Manchester City at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Four days later, they lock horns with arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Flick's side ended their pre-season tour against AC Milan on August 6 at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, and are scheduled to arrive back at Barcelona the next day.
