Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all plotting January swoop for Barcelona and Brazil star Rafinha
Premier League trio chasing midfielder along with Serie A giants Inter and AC Milan as Nou Camp chiefs consider sanctioning buy-back deal
ARSENAL and Liverpool are reported to be among five clubs chasing Barcelona’s Rafinha.
The Brazilian international has been at the Nou Camp his entire career after joining with his brother, Thiago, as a kid.
Since making his senior bow back in 2011 he has gone on to make 81 appearances in La Liga and bagged 11 goals.
However, Mundo Deportivo claims Barcelona were willing to allow the 24-year-old to leave this summer.
Due to his current injury problems, potential suitors were put off making a move during the recent window.
But Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are all monitoring his progress and considering making a January move.
Rafinha is currently battling his way back to full fitness following a knee injury.
And he is likely to find first-team chances hard to come by in Ernesto Valverde’s side once he does return.
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With next summer’s World Cup on the horizon, which Brazil have already qualified for, it is believed he could be looking to leave Barcelona for regular action.
Nou Camp chiefs are unlikely to allow him to depart on the cheap as he is under contract until 2020.
One option could see Barca agree to his exit but insist on having a buy-back option on him.
This would see them receive a fee but also have the right to sign him back if he goes on to develop even further.
The Spaniards recently used a similar deal they had in place for Gerard Deulofeu – the winger re-joining Barca from Everton after impressing on loan in Italy.
The Premier League trio are all expected to retain their interest in Rafinha but they will face competition for his services.
Italian giants Inter and AC Milan are also keen on the star.
