Chelsea ‘willing to bid strong’ for player as potential transfer is strongly pushed

Ivan Rakitic has over two years left on his contract at Barcelona.

Sport reported on Wednesday the midfielder has put pressure on president Josep Maria Bartomeu to offer him a new deal, but the La Liga winners have no plans to meet his demands.

Today’s edition of the same publication explains there are several clubs after the Croatia international and the Catalan newspaper claims one of them is Chelsea, who are ‘willing to bid strong’ for the former Sevilla man.

Rakitic has been a key player under Ernesto Valverde’s guidance and if the latter is at the helm next season, the manager is likely to urge the player to stay at the Camp Nou.

The former Athletic Club Bilbao boss will ‘do everything possible’ to prevent Rakitic from being seduced by any of the interesting offers he has on the table.

Another report from Sport claims the 30-year-old’s exit would not be an issue for the Spanish champions since Frenkie de Jong will arrive at the club next season. 

If Rakitic wants to leave, Barca will demand €65m from potential suitors and the Blaugrana are aware that big clubs are interested in him.

Whether Chelsea will be interested in spending €65m on a player who will be 31 in March is to be seen.

A potential Rakitic transfer has been strongly pushed by the Spanish media this week, which may suggest someone is encouraging the story.