Rafinha wants Barcelona stay as midfielder ace deals blow to Arsenal and Chelsea
Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Brazil midfielder and was said to be eyeing a £27m bid before the transfer window closed
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ARSENAL and Chelsea have been dealt a blow as Rafinha revealed he wants to stay at Barcelona.
Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Brazil midfielder and was said to be eyeing a £27million bid.
But the player's father - World Cup winner Mazinho - says he want to stay at the Nou Camp.
Mazinho insists: "We have no interest (in leaving) either. We have a contract with Barca."
Rafinha, 24, is yet to play for the Blaugrana this season after suffering a knee injury.
But he is close to a return, with Mazinho adding: "We haven't talked to anyone because with an injured player, it's difficult to negotiate anything with other clubs.
"I've had a perfect relationship with Barca since 2005 and I have no complaints.
"Rafinha's fine, he's recovering, carrying out his work, and he'll be back soon.
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"The important thing is that he's feeling better.
"Our concern is that he recovers, that he can return to a football pitch."
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Sao Paulo-born Rafinha joined the club's La Masia academy at the age of 13 and represented Spain at three different age groups.
At the age of 20 he switched his allegiance to the his birth country and went on to win full honours, scoring once in his two caps.
He netted six times in 18 Liga appearances last season, having won the title twice and the Champions League once since becoming a first-team squad member.
