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Raphinha headlines potential five-man exit list at Barcelona

Barcelona are keen to shake up their squad this summer amid plans to simultaneously balance their books and bring in reinforcements after winning the La Liga.

According to COPE, up to five players could be axed in a massive squad clear-out, with some high-profile names on the transfer list, including Raphinha.

The Blaugranas have already suffered a heartbreaking disappointment with the highly anticipated return of Lionel Messi falling through after the World Cup winner agreed to join Inter Miami.

Barca had pulled out all the stops to ensure their club legend returned to Spotify Camp Nou, but without a formal offer on the table, Messi has accepted a proposal from the United States.

The Catalan giants are keen to move on from the transfer saga and enforce their planned overhaul, with Raphinha spearheading a potential five-man exit list.

The Brazilian has been repeatedly linked with a return to the Premier League just one year after completing a big-money move from Leeds United.

Raphinha has endured a topsy-turvy debut campaign at Barca but still managed to hit double figures in goal contributions, notching ten goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

However, his on-field performances have done little to sway the cash-stricken Blaugranas, who are willing to listen to offers for the 26-year-old.

The dazzling forward is not short on potential suitors and is being courted by Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Chelsea – although the latter cannot offer European football.

The likes of Ferran Torres, Franck Kessie, and Andreas Christensen are also on the chopping block after playing a bit-part role in Barca’s success story this season.

Kessie has already been linked with a move to the Serie A with Inter Milan and Juventus keen, but reports also suggest Liverpool have tabled a former offer for the Ivorian.

Torres was a target for Arsenal, but it remains to be seen if the Gunners will return for his signature, while Christensen, who joined on a free transfer from Chelsea just last summer, could be shown the door.

Ansu Fati is the last player touted for a Camp Nou exit this summer despite the player’s reluctance to leave with several clubs hot on his trail.

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