£50m winger Newcastle have chased for a year now wants move to Premier League
Things can change overnight in football which is why when a club is linked to a player who is adamant they aren't moving they don't tend to just give up.
That seems to have been the case again as a player Newcastle United have had in their sights since last summer, who was absolutely adamant they were going to stay put and fight for their place, even going into this transfer window, could now be open to a move.
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been a target of Eddie Howe's since he was at Leeds United. The Magpies were there again last summer when it was believed that the winger was unsettled at Barcelona due to not being a regular starter following his big-money move.
However, the 27-year-old came out and said that he wanted to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place.
Raphinha now eyeing move away from Barcelona
The story went back and forth between 'unsettled' and 'staying' but ultimately, Raphinha remained at Barcelona.
Now though, youngster Lamine Yamal is keeping the Brazilian out of the side and Barcelona are pushing hard for Nico Williams to join this summer too, which will seriously impact Raphinha's game time if it comes off.
Therefore Raphinha has, according to HITC, decided that it's time for him to move on in order to get regular football which has alerted both Newcastle and Arsenal.
This isn't the first time we've heard this story
HITC believes that because Barcelona are likely to want £50million for Raphinha a move to the Premier League is most likely as he would likely reject a move to the Saudi Pro League.
It is worth noting, however, that we've been here before. Last year stories came out suggesting that Raphinha was eyeing a return to the Premier League and they obviously went nowhere.
However, now seems to be the perfect time for the Magpies to shoot their shot. The money Barcelona get from Raphinha would go straight to picking up Nico Williams, so the club would be very willing to sell. We just have to try and beat other clubs to the punch.
Raphinha would be a phenomenal signing given the need for an attacking right winger with Premier League experience. Having him link up with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton would be the icing on the Brazilian cake.
