Manchester City in picture to sign 26-year-old – Suggestion of swap deal put forward

On Wednesday, Foot Mercato reported Manchester City have Barcelona’s Raphinha in mind to replace Riyad Mahrez.

It was also said Txiki Begiristain had contacted Barca director Deco over a potential deal for the former Leeds United star.

Spanish journalist Toni Juanmartí took to Twitter to state that neither the La Liga side nor the winger are aware of Manchester City’s interest. The 26-year-old is happy and is only thinking of continuing at the Camp Nou.

On the other side, Mundo Deportivo journalist Achraf Ben Ayad claims the Premier League winners have now become the Brazil international’s latest suitor.

They also relay Foot Mercato’s claim about contact between Begiristain and Deco and then explain that Barca sources have ‘denied’ this.

Although the winger has repeatedly insisted he wants to continue with the Blaugrana, Mundo question whether Manchester City’s interest would be attractive enough for him to change his plans.

Ni Raphinha ni el Barça saben nada del Man. City. Y, en 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, diría que hay otros equipos que desean al brasileño bastante más que el City.

Rapha es feliz, se quiere quedar al 100%. Y Xavi ya le ha transmitido varias veces confianza y respaldo.

El jugador solo piensa en 🔵🔴.

— Toni Juanmartí (@tjuanmarti) July 19, 2023

Xavi Hernández is an admirer of Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva but Barca would have to carry out a ‘big sale’ to sign the Portuguese star.

With Pep Guardiola’s side now in the picture for Raphinha, Mundo suggest a ‘big sale’ wouldn’t be needed, provided Manchester City and Barcelona carry out an exchange deal involving Silva and the South American.