Arsenal target Rafinha feels “perfect” at Barcelona
Mazinho, father of Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, has claimed that his son is happy at Barcelona and has played down links with a move to Premier league side Arsenal, according to a report on Talksport.
The 24-year-old playmaker is currently out of action due to a knee injury but feels settled at the Camp Nou.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been monitoring Rafinha for some time and has always had an interest in the creative midfielder but has never made an official approach.
The Frenchman was considering a move in January or next summer, but Mazinho has played down all talks of a transfer to North London.
He said:
The important thing is that he’s feeling better. Our concern is that he recovers, that he can return to a football pitch. We haven’t talked to anyone because with an injured player, it’s difficult to negotiate anything with other clubs.
Besides, we have no interest [in leaving] either. We have a contract with Barca.
There were previous concerns about the playing time given to Rafinha, who was said to be growing increasingly frustrated with being merely a substitute, but those worries are now resolved with the player keen to return from injury and fight for a spot in the starting XI.
Wenger has been looking for a creative midfielder and with Mesut Ozil looking increasingly likely to leave, was targeting Rafinha.
However, the manager will now need to look elsewhere with Rafinha not looking for a move away from the Spanish La Liga giants.