Fabrizio Romano confirms Tottenham interest in FC Barcelona star
By Tom Vinall
High-profile journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Spurs have always liked the look of FC Barcelona and Brazil national team winger Raphinha, with London rivals having "always shown interest" in the past too.
On his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Raphinha has always been attractive to several clubs, not only in Europe, when Barcelona signed him from Leeds there was interest from Chelsea and interest from Arsenal. He’s always been a player of interest for Tottenham, they have always appreciated him.
Spurs do have options out on the right with Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski (even if he is better centrally), and Raphinha's compatriot Richarlison able to play there too.
However, there is no doubt that Raphinha would be an instant upgrade out there. In La Liga so far this season, he has scored five goals, created eight big chances, and created over three chances per game in just seven outings so far, as he forms a lethal attack with Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Spurs' stance on winger Raphinha
The 27-year-old would most definitely suit 'AngeBall' too. He is a rapid winger, capable of pressing (completes over four ball recoveries per game), and has the quality to match. He gives a 1v1 threat that Spurs massively lack too. He thrived in a Marcelo Bielsa system in the Premier League and no doubt he could so too for Ange.
The winger was linked to Spurs in the summer, and based on what Romano has said, could reignite their interest in the future. Unfortunately for Spurs and potential other suitors - he does seem a lot more valuable to Barcelona than he did before the season started.
Another tick in the box for Raphinha is his versatility. Despite naturally being a right-winger, he has played both as a left-winger and number ten this season, both to a high level, with Yamal having locked down the right-wing spot. Him being left-footed and holding the width sounds very Ange Postecoglu, but he is also capable of doing the same from the right side.
If there is any remote possibility of this happening, Spurs must move heaven and earth to make sure it happens. Should a player of Raphinha's quality become available, you must take full advantage of it and get that done.
feed