According to highly influential Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea target Ivan Rakitic wants to leave Barcelona.
The players’ intention is strong this summer following the signing of Frenkie de Jong and the possibility of the arrival of another world-class midfielder, Adrien Rabiot. The 30-year-old is reportedly ‘ready to start a new cycle.’
Chelsea are in the race to sign Ivan Rakitic in the summer, according to the recent reports in Diario Sport.
Maurizio Sarri wants to bring the 30-year-old at Stamford Bridge to fill in Cesc Fabregas’s place in the squad. The Spaniard tied himself with AS Monaco on a four-year contract after making 198 appearances for Chelsea.
Rakitic turns 31 years old in March and even though Ernesto Valverde is over-reliant on the most recent World Cup finalist, it is quite likely he has to leave.
There are also rumours suggesting that Inter Milan are the main Chelsea competitor for the player. Previously, the Italian giants wanted to snatch Rakitic’ famous teammate and the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, Luka Modric.
However, the Real Madrid midfielder is set to sign a renewal with his current club and Inter switched their focus on the other La Liga team.
Even though Rakitic has a significant release clause set at €125m, Gazzetta believe Inter could sign him on a discount price for just €90m. Nerazzurri, meanwhile, have a strong Croatian contingent that includes Marcelo Brozovic, Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Perisic.