Ivan Rakitic is an important player for Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona, according to Sport, but there’s interest in taking him away from Barcelona.
The front page of today’s edition of the Catalan newspaper reads ‘Chelsea for Rakitic’ as the Blues are ‘interested in signing’ the Croatia international for next season, if the La Liga winners are willing to negotiate the transfer.
Frenkie de Jong will leave Ajax and move to the Camp Nou in the summer and Adrien Rabiot could follow him to the club. If the latter signs for the Blaugrana, then Valverde will have too many options in midfield.
With interest from the west London club, the sale of the former Sevilla star would help the Spanish champions raise funds, if all parties agree to a deal.
It is explained the Premier League outfit are planning an ‘important restructuring’ of the squad and they view Rakitic as a ‘leader’ for the new sporting project at Stamford Bridge.
For the deal to take shape, Chelsea will have convince player and then find an agreement with Barcelona, something Sport suggest will cost a lot.
However, the 30-year-old wants to continue with his current employer for ‘many years’, which is why it is important for Chelsea to convince Rakitic first.
