Barcelona Still Considering Ivan Rakitić Departure as Juventus Lodge Bid
Barcelona are yet to rule out parting ways with midfielder Ivan Rakitić during the current transfer window, with Juventus said to be interested in signing him.
The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou all season, having struggled to hold down a place in former manager Ernesto Valverde's starting lineup.
Rakitić did start new boss Quique Setién's first game in charge, the 1-0 win over Granada, but his status in the squad has still been questioned – and Sport report that there is still a chance that he could be sold.
Setién has been tipped to favour the likes of Arthur, Sergio Busquets and 20-year-old Riqui Puig, while Frenkie de Jong will also eat up plenty of minutes, so there may not be a place for Rakitić going forward.
It is claimed that Juventus have already lodged an offer for the midfielder, which is not thought to be the rumoured swap deal involving Federico Bernardeschi, while there is also an offer from an unnamed second side.
Barcelona are expected to welcome offers for Rakitić until the final day of the winter transfer window, when the player will be given the choice of what to do. Given he remains under contract until 2021, he still has the option to stay at Camp Nou, but will also be allowed to leave if he wants.
Should he push for an exit, it is likely that he will have plenty of suitors. AC Milan, Atlético Madrid and even Everton have all been linked with the Croatian this season, and several other sides could involve themselves in negotiations if he officially hits the market.
The player himself has insisted that he remains happy at Camp Nou, adding that he believes his best years are still ahead of him, so it seems unlikely that he will look to leave the club in the near future.
However, Puig's promotion to the senior side means there will be even more competition for minutes under Setién, so it certainly seems possible that Rakitić could decide to take his talents elsewhere.
