With former Arsenal man Cesc Fàbregas seemingly on the verge of a Premier League return with either Chelsea or Manchester United, reports in Spain have suggested that Los Blaugranas will try to finalise a move for Sevilla's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic. The 26-year-old, highly regarded for his passing prowess from the centre of the pitch, has enjoyed an impressive season but could move for as little as £16.2million - Barça will be keen to get the deal wrapped up early, as a strong showing in the World Cup could inflate this figure.

Having joined FC Basle in the country of his birth, Switzerland, at the age of just seven, Rakitić enjoyed four productive years at Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga before moving to Seville in 2011. He quickly established himself as something of a fan favourite, but his only trophy at the club came in the season just finished, when he was an integral part of the side which defeated the supposedly cursed Benfica in the Europa League Final. With twelve goals and ten assists in twenty-nine league appearances for Sevilla this term, manager Unai Emery will be disappointed to lose his star asset but has said "I could understand if Rakitić leaves," adding his aim to "try and sign another Rakitić" should the deal go through, which is expected in the coming days.

Barcelona manager Luís Enrique rates Rakitić highly, and having already signed goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Rakitić is unlikely to be the last summer addition to his squad. With several high-profile players retiring or simply declining in quality and a transfer ban looming on the horizon, Barça's squad is in need of a serious facelift if they are to challenge Atlético and Real Madrid for major honours next season. Although Fàbregas is the immediate departure, there is a feeling that Rakitić could be a long-term replacement for the ageing Xavi, who could move to the MLS. Atlético's Spanish midfielder Koke is another likely addition, while a deal is still yet to be agreed for PSG defender Marquinhos.

In the meantime, however, the deal is still to be completed, and Sevilla's officials were said to be less than impressed with Barça's original offer, believed to be around the £10million mark. Rakitić's current deal expires in twelve months, which has lowered their asking price, but they are unlikely to accept anything under £16million. With a figure of more than £30million expected to be incoming for the sale of Fàbregas, it is a figure they will be willing to pay after a season of failure both domestically and in Europe, but no deal has yet been finalised; however, Barça are confident of getting their man.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Sam France
Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor at VAVEL UK, part of the VAVEL team 2014-2018.