3 Premier League clubs who must target Ivan Rakitic
According to Evening Standard, Barcelona are willing to sell midfielder Ivan Rakitic but the move would depend on the Croatian.
The Catalans were expecting him to move in the summer but Rakitic insisted on staying despite the arrival of Frenkie De Jong (h/t Evening Standard).
Rakitic always started regularly for Barcelona in his four years at the club but with the presence of Dutch star De Jong, the Croatian’s chances have been limited this term.
Since his arrival from Sevilla, Rakitic has won 12 trophies with the Catalan giants. The 31-year-old was also instrumental in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final. Along with Luka Modric, he was the force behind the national team’s excellent display.
Rakitic’s contract with the club runs until 2021 and Barcelona are expecting to make €40m from the Croatian’s departure, according to the Evening Standard.
He has started just 1 match for Barcelona in the La Liga this season and is facing a severe shortage of game time. With Rakitic out of favour at Camp Nou, here are 3 Premier League clubs that could take advantage of his situation and lure him to England.
Manchester United
According to the Metro, Manchester United were interested in signing Rakitic but the midfielder opted against a move back then.
Solskjaer must strengthen the squad after allowing Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera to leave in the past 12 months without signing replacements. He can make use of Rakitic’s situation and lure him to Old Trafford.
Rakitic’s experience of playing at the top level would be helpful for Solskjaer. The Croatian is capable of being a leader and alongside Pogba and Scott McTominay, Rakitic can freely move forward and make the game easier for the forward line.
Chelsea
The Blues were also interested in signing the 31-year-old, according to Evening Standard.
If Chelsea’s ban of signing players gets lifted, they must pursue the Croatian. After Eden Hazard left in the summer, manager Frank Lampard has been forced to play a young squad for the most part of the season and getting their hands on Rakitic would be a masterstroke.
In Rakitic, Chelsea would have a player who can help them scale greater heights. Alongside Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, Rakitic’s presence could also fill Cesc Fabregas’ void at Chelsea.
Arsenal
The Sun has claimed that Arsenal also have been on alert. This would be a great opportunity for Unai Emery to make amends to his midfield unit.
In his final season with Sevilla, Rakitic played under Emery and the pair lifted the UEFA Europa trophy together in the 2013/14 season.
With Mesut Ozil out of favour, Rakitic would be a huge bonus for the team if Emery decides to snatch the midfielder and bring him to north London.
Read more
- Why Lewis Dunk would be a smart signing for Unai Emery’s Arsenal
- Why Arsenal reviving their interest in Caglar Soyuncu would be good
- Why Ibrahima Konate could be a brilliant signing for Arsenal
Arsenal’s midfield would look more confident, thus making it necessary for the Gunners to pursue a move.