Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed both Arsenal and Chelsea hoped to sign Raphinha before the forward completed a move to the Camp Nou in 2022.
Raphinha enjoyed far and away his best-ever season in professional football last term, racking up 34 goals and 25 assists in all competitions for Barca.
The 28-year-old’s outstanding performances across the campaign helped the Catalan giants win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in what was Hansi Flick’s first year at the helm.
After a mixed start to life in Spanish football, Raphinha is now among the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Ferreira Vitinha and Mohamed Salah.
While Raphinha blew hot and cold across his two-year spell at Leeds United, both Arsenal and Chelsea were convinced over his potential and battled it out for the Brazilian’s signature at the end of the 2021/22 season, with the latter reportedly agreeing a deal.
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But Raphinha only had eyes for Barcelona once the club made their interest known, with the winger swapping Elland Road for the Camp Nou in an agreement worth around £55million.
Looking back on the transfer saga in an interview with Globo, Deco explained: ‘Raphinha had had a very good year in England and several clubs wanted him. Arsenal, Chelsea… Barcelona were having financial difficulties at the time.
‘I already knew that Raphinha’s dream was to go to Barcelona.
‘[Former Barcelona head coach] Xavi wanted him, as did the president… I knew it was complicated, because Barcelona might not be able to pay what Leeds wanted.
‘That was down to the management, to help make the player’s wish come true. It ended up working out.’
Deco credits Barca head coach Flick with transforming Raphinha’s fortunes by instilling ‘confidence’ in his game over the last 12 months.
‘Every coach can have a positive influence on a player’s career, especially when it comes to confidence and recognition,’ he added.
‘If a player is playing well, why take him out? I think coaches sometimes make mistakes in this regard. It takes away the player’s confidence.
‘Raphinha felt more confidence from Flick. This was good for him and ended up being reflected on the field.
‘It’s no surprise that he had such a good season because we already knew he had the quality.’
Raphinha was out through suspension as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as Brazil manager began with a goalless draw against Ecuador last Friday.
Ancelotti has confirmed Raphinha will be thrown straight back into the side, saying the attacker’s ‘presence will be very important’ versus Paraguay.
‘Yes, Raphinha will return,’ Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s contest.
‘This is good news for us because he showed last season that he is one of the best players in football and he will help us a lot.
‘The match is important and we need to perform well to get closer to the goal and qualify.
‘Raphinha’s presence will be very important.’
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