Pep Guardiola has already shared his thoughts on reported Manchester City transfer target Raphinha.
Earlier today, journalist Santi Aouna claimed that the Barcelona winger is a top transfer target for the Citizens should Riyad Mahrez leave the club this summer amid links to Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ahli.
Describing the interest as “concrete,” Aouna also claimed that Txiki Begiristain has already been in touch with the Brazilian’s agent, Deco, to discuss the player, who Barcelona are apparently willing to listen to offers for.
Having already spent some time in the Premier League with Leeds United before joining his current club back in the previous summer transfer window for a fee of £55m, the 26-year-old had caught the attention of the City boss due to his talent.
Pep’s previous praise for Raphinha
Speaking after City’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds in the Premier League back in April 2021 where Raphinha played 89 minutes before being taken off, Guardiola had this to say about the winger.
He said: “Of course he is a weapon. He is an exceptional player with good pace. Every player under Marcelo [Bielsa] is getting better and he played a good game.”
During his time with Leeds, Raphinha scored 17 goals and delivered 12 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.
Across his debut season at the Camp Nou, the Brazil international found the net 10 times and provided 12 assists in 50 appearances.
In fact, with 36 La Liga games under his belt, the former Leeds star ended the campaign with more crosses (172) and shot-creating actions (117) than any other player in Xavi’s squad.
He also made more blocks (33) and more tackles in the attacking third of the pitch (12) than any other Barcelona player, which shows how effective and hard-working he is on and off the ball.
In our view, with all of that in mind, if City do end up needing to bring in a new winger if Mahrez leaves, we feel that Raphinha would be a top signing for them.
