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Inter Milan show interest in Barcelona heavyweights

By Ernesto Hernandez

Barcelona's Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal (R) replaces Barcelona's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and SD Huesca at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on September 2, 2018. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal (R) replaces Barcelona's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and SD Huesca at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on September 2, 2018. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Conte has expressed his interest in acquiring the services of two Barcelona midfielders.

With the season nearing ever closer, one of the mandates Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has issued to the board is the trimming of the squad. He wants a smaller squad in order to give the younger players more playing time. Analyzing the side’s depth chart, one of the areas with an abundance of players is midfield so it should be no surprise two players in that position have drawn interest.

According to Diario Sport, Antonio Conte is very keen on bringing in both Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal to Inter Milan. In his first season as manager, Conte is looking to get rid some of his own players and bring in Rakitic and Vidal to strengthen his side.

While Inter have tried to downplay their interest in the Croatian, Sport cite Italian outlet, La Gazzetta and claim that Inter would be willing to pay €90 million for the 30-year-old midfielder. He would also be earning a similar amount in wages to what he is currently receiving at Barcelona.

Despite enjoying plenty of minutes under Ernesto Valverde last season, his influence has diminished and is no longer guaranteed a spot in the starting line-up given the arrival of Frenkie de Jong. Given all the rumors surrounding his future, Rakitic has remained steadfast in wanting to stay at the club.

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According to Bleacher Report, he said,

"“I have great respect for all the teams, and Inter is a very important club that I faced this year in the Champions League. Some of my national team team-mates play for them, but I am right now where I want to be.”"

The same can be said about Arturo Vidal. He arrived from last season from Bayern Munich and was frustrated at his lack of opportunities early in the season. So much so he posted comments on his Instagram taking shots at Valverde. As the season went on, he gained importance and if he didn’t start a game, he would be the first substitution made by the manager.

He also is not contemplating a move at the moment because he’s earned the confidence of Ernesto Valverde and he believes that the Chilean offers something different that the other midfielders do not possess.

Inter Milan’s plan in acquiring both of them would first have to go through selling the likes of Icardi, Joao Mario, and Nainggolan. If the Serie A side manage to do that, then their interest in Vidal and Rakitic should pick up steam. Vidal knows that league during his time with Juventus and for Rakitic, it is an opportunity to go somewhere where he will be valued.

Next. Frenkie de Jong suggests Neymar’s alternative to Barcelona. dark

Neither are contemplating a move but if the right offer comes along, it may be too good for them, and Barcelona, to pass up.

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