PSG are reportedly plotting a double raid on Barcelona for their experienced midfield duo of Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, PSG have set their sights towards Barcelona for the second successive summer, with two players on their radar. Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are set to be tailed by Les Parisiens, who are eager to bolster their midfield before the summer transfer window slams shut.
PSG find themselves in a bit of pickle at the present moment as far as the shape of their midfield unit is concerned. The French champions do have a good mix of youth and experience in the squad. But, a closer look would reveal just why they are in desperate need of a new midfielder.
Lassana Diarra will likely be a bit-part player this season, while he also faces an uncertain future at Parc des Princes. But, the big concern is the situation surrounding Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman, who has less than a year remaining on his current deal, has rejected a new contract offer from PSG, and is eager to join Barcelona.
A possible departure of Rabiot would leave PSG with Marco Verratti as the only recognised name in the middle of the park, with several others being highly inexperienced. With that in mind, the interest in Barcelona duo of Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets does make sense.
The players can be short-term solutions in midfield for the French champions, providing stability in the middle of the park till the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Christopher Nkunku and Yacine Adli are old enough to take over as regulars. PSG though, are only scouring the possibility of signing one of the Barcelona veterans.
However, as expected, Barcelona are not willing to part ways with either player, with Ernesto Valverde viewing both Rakitic and Busquets as vital cogs in his squad. What might also be holding the Blaugrana back from accepting a lucrative offer is the fact that their pursuit of Paul Pogba has been shelved for now.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also attempting to tie Busquets down to a new deal, which would not just pay him handsomely but also bump up his release clause to around €200 million. As far as Rakitic is concerned, the Spanish champions could offer him improved wages to keep PSG at bay as well.
For now, Barcelona will aim to keep a firm hold on Rakitic and Busquets, who have both been stalwarts for them over the years. What will make matters interesting is if PSG decide to shell out either player’s release clause, which would take the La Liga champions out of the equation.
For all intents and purposes though, it is unlikely that either Rakitic or Busquets will end their time at Barcelona to join PSG this summer, considering they are happy at Camp Nou.
