Barcelona have received a lucrative €80 million offer from PSG for the services of Ivan Rakitic, who has been earmarked as a top-target for Thomas Tuchel’s men this summer.
According to Don Balon, FC Barcelona have received a €80 million PSG bid concerning midfield superstar Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian international has been tipped to leave the Nou Camp for a long time and the move could soon be on the horizon after PSG stepped up their chase this summer.
It is believed that the newly appointed Thomas Tuchel is eager to add some midfield reinforcement following the departure of Javier Pastore while Adrien Rabiot is also linked with a move away from Parc des Princes. As a result, Rakitic has been identified as a perfect candidate who can bolster their midfield department.
Barcelona, on the other hand, have every reason to let go of their prized asset after signing the likes of Arthur Melo and Arturo Vidal, both of whom could provide a serious threat to Rakitic’s regular place in the starting lineup this season.
Regarded as one of the best Croatian players in the current generation, Rakitic comes into the new season on the back of excellent World Cup earlier this summer. He played a central role as Croatia defied all odds to reach the final of the coveted competition. And his impressive performances have alerted the interest of several top clubs across Europe.
However, it is highly doubtful whether or not he will play a key role under Ernesto Valverde in this new season. The former Sevilla midfielder already showed signs of discomfort under the Spanish tactician last campaign, which inevitably soured his relationship with the fans.
Theoretically, it makes sense given the fact that Barcelona generally play with a 4-3-3 formation which requires a CDM who can screen the defence along with two midfielders who can operate in half-spaces to create chances.
Iniesta, in that regard, excelled in Barcelona’s system because of his quick-footed play and sharp movements. But unlike the Spanish midfield veteran, Rakitic is a more composed presence in the centre of the pitch, who excels in making accurate long balls, providing dangerous crosses and taking free-kicks. As a result, the 30-year-old has struggled to make his presence felt at the Nou Camp in recent years.
Barcelona already have Sergio Busquets as the preferred holding midfielder while we can expect Valverde play either of Vidal or Arthur in midfield alongside Philipe Coutinho, who has been shouldered with high expectations this season.
On the flip side, a move to PSG could be a logical decision for Rakitic. His aforementioned attributes in midfield make him an ideal player in a double-pivot system – something that Tuchel admires a lot. In fact, the former Dortmund mastermind often likes to play with a 4-2-3-1, where Rakitic can easily be accommodated alongside Marco Verratti.
Thus, PSG will certainly be hoping that they would be able to land this Croatian superstar this summer although they might face still competition from Bayern Munich.
