Juventus are in talks with Barcelona regarding the potential swap deal involving Federico Bernadeschi and Ivan Rakitic.
According to AS, Juventus have once again floated the idea of a swap deal involving Ivan Rakitic and Federico Bernadeschi. The idea was presented last summer but was completely rejected by then Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.
But, with the arrival of Quique Setien, the Spanish giants might be open to a deal, with Rakitic even getting the green light to leave the club. It is believed that the Croatian has already agreed personal terms with Juventus, who are seemingly keen on strengthening their midfield department.
In hindsight, the swap deal makes sense for both the sides, especially for Barcelona, who have the lacked depth in their attacking department following the departure of Philippe Coutinho.
Antoine Griezmann was brought in from Atletico Madrid in the summer. But, the Frenchman has often been utilised in a central role, with Luis Suarez facing numerous fitness issues over the course of the past two years. As a result, the likes of Ansu Fati and Carles Perez have become an important part of the senior side.
Federico Bernadeschi, in that regard, should provide some much-needed cover for the ageing Lionel Messi. The fact that the Italian can feature anywhere in the final third should allow Setien to make numerous tactical tweaks in the final third.
Bernadeschi has a considerable amount of experience at the highest level of football, which could be useful as Barcelona look to impress in the UEFA Champions League this season. Therefore, he is indeed a viable target for the Blaugrana. Moreover, leaving Juventus could also make for the player as well, having failed to deal with the immense competition this season.
As for Rakitic, he has faced a similar situation in Barcelona. The Croatian international has lost his place to Frenkie de Jong in central midfield. And at the age of 31, he is unlikely to be considered as a vital part of the first-team, especially with Setien keen to usher in the much-awaited transition.
A move to Juventus, in that regard, should provide Rakitic with the opportunity of reviving his career. The Bianconeri are preparing the departure of Emre Can while Sami Khedira has also found himself out of favour under Maurizio Sarri.
Rakitic could be an ideal alternative to the likes of Adrien Rabiot and Blaise Matuidi in central midfield. However, it remains to be seen whether Juventus will able to agree to a deal with Barcelona, especially given the fact that a direct swap deal could be a problem due to the age difference of the two players.
