Premier League duo Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle it out for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic. This is according to reports in Spain. The Catalan giants are prepared to cash in on the veteran Croatian midfielder this summer. This, in turn, will raise funds for a few big-money deals.
The 32-year-old central midfielder has just one year remaining on his deal at the Nou Camp. He has struggled for playing time this season. The availability of the former Schalke and Sevilla star is set to spark a transfer scramble. Clubs across Europe including Juventus, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid all set to pursue a deal.
According to reports in Spain, the Premier League duo is leading the chase for the signature of the experienced midfield general. The Coronavirus pandemic is all set to leave Barcelona cash-strapped this summer. It means that they will be forced to sell a number of their stars to bring in their summer transfer targets.
A Move To Manchester United?
Both Manchester United and Tottenham are in the market for a new midfielder. Both of them have reportedly identified experienced Rakitic as a possible summer recruit. The Red Devils attempted to land Rakitic in January but the move was blocked because his wife Raquel who wanted to remain in Barcelona.
Rakitic is a serial winner of trophies having won ten major pieces of silverware throughout an illustrious career. The Croat also has made it no secret that he would be willing to rejoin Sevilla whom he left in 2014.
The Spanish side are struggling financially right now. It would be a huge ask from them to match the demands of Barcelona or the 32-year-old. Rakitic made it pretty clear that Sevilla and the city of Seville hold a special place in his heart and he would be happy to move back to his former club.
He said: “I have a special affection for Seville, but directly for the city. I have my family there. I have always said that it would be a dream to wear that shirt again, everyone knows it but it is not my decision.
“Monchi (Sevilla’s sporting director) and everyone at Sevilla has my number but they haven’t called me yet.”
Will A Deal Happen?
It is claimed that Barcelona will not sell the Croatia international for anything less than €15m (£13.31m). To add to that, the player himself will not take a pay-cut on his salary of €7.8m (£6.92m) a year.
The former Sevilla star might be 32 years of age now, but he still seems to have a lot left to offer at the highest level. With his immense class and experience, he will certainly make a solid impact at both Spurs as well at Manchester United. The two clubs are both in dire need of reinforcements in midfield.
There may not be a lot of cash with the clubs. They may struggle to spend big on players. However, one thing in Rakitic’s favour is that he has proven himself at Barca already. Things could really work out for him if he joins either club this summer.
