Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing a mouthwatering package worth in excess of €275m (£235m) to sign Barcelona's star Raphinha this summer.
The 28-year-old winger has put himself in contention to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or as he has enjoyed an exceptional season in front of goal for the Catalan giants.
Only Robert Lewandowski (40) has scored more goals across all tournaments for Barcelona than Raphinha (30), who has also registered 23 assists in 50 matches.
Raphinha has played an integral role in Hansi Flick's treble-chasing team who are hoping to end the season on a high by winning the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
The Brazil international is under contract at Camp Nou until June 2027 and recently expressed his desire to remain at Barca, stating that he "will do everything possible to stay here for many years."
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Al-Hilal ready to meet Barcelona's asking price for Raphinha
However, Raphinha has been tipped to potentially leave the club this summer, with one recent report claiming that cash-strapped Barca 'will listen to offers' for the winger as they believe that 'a millionaire sale' could help balance their books.
It is understood that the La Liga giants would only entertain offers of at least €100m (£85.7m) for Raphinha, and Spanish news outlet Sport claims that Al-Hilal are prepared to meet their asking price.
Al-Hilal were initially determined to sign Mohamed Salah this summer, but now that he has signed a contract extension at Liverpool, the Saudi side are ready to splash the cash on Raphinha, who has been identified as an alternative target.
The report adds that Raphinha could be handed a five-year contract by Al-Hilal worth around €44m (£37m) per season, which would represent a significant increase on his current Barcelona salary and would make him one of the best-paid players in world football.
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Al-Hilal move ahead of PL quartet in Raphinha race?
Al-Hilal's alleged desire to splash the cash on Raphinha this summer comes as a blow to a number of Premier League clubs who have also been credited with an interest.
It is understood that Liverpool and Arsenal are 'very attentive' to Raphinha's situation, while Chelsea who attempted to sign the winger from Leeds United before he joined Barca in 2022, are also closely monitoring the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, Fichajes reports that Manchester City have identified Raphinha as a 'priority target' this summer along with both Chelsea and Al-Hilal.
Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all expected to spend big this summer, but whether they can financially compete with Al-Hilal - one of four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund - to sign Raphinha remains to be seen.
Oliver Thomas
