Chelsea are lining up a summer move for Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, according to Sport (h/t Metro). The Blues sold Cesc Fabregas to Monaco in the winter window and the report claims that the 30-year-old is seen as a replacement for the Spanish midfielder.
Rakitic has been a constant in Barcelona’s midfield in recent years, however, the report claims the Catalans would be open to selling the star should they receive a suitable offer.
Barcelona have already signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax and the report adds that the Croatian is expected to fall down the order once the Dutch midfielder joins next season.
The report further claims that Maurizio Sarri wants to add competition for Jorginho’s spot in the team. Rakitic would make an excellent signing for the Blues given his quality, however, his age is the problem.
Chelsea don’t have many playmaker options for their midfield, and the 30-year-old would fit this role well. However, it would be a major risk to sign him given that he has no experience of playing in a physical league like the Premier League.
Rakitic has also spoken about his desire to remain at Barcelona, and wants to extend his stay (h/t Metro):
“I want to be here and, if I can renew, to be here for even more years. I am really happy here, everyone knows it, above all the ‘Presi’ [president]. I have nothing else to say.”
The Croatian was also asked about his place in the team with De Jong joining them but he left that decision for the manager and the president to make (h/t Metro).