Barcelona are getting ready for a clean out and have set their terms for one of their midfielders.
The upcoming transfer window, whenever it finally opens, is going to be an important one for Barcelona. In order to make additions to the squad, they are going to need to move on from certain players.
One of those players is Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian midfielder has been the subject of a lot of transfer speculation both before the season started and during the January window.
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According to Diario Sport, the Catalans have put a €20 million price tag with all signs pointing to an exit one way or another.
The club is also aware that the amount they may able to get may be affected by the coronavirus.
Sevilla are rumored to be interested in him with Rakitic keen on returning to his former club if he is forced to leave.
The player has struggled to find first-team minutes this season both under Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setién. When he has features, he’s been the source of heavy criticism.
The Catalans and Juventus were reportedly working on a deal for Rakitic with Federico Bernardeschi heading the other way. Ultimately, they were unable to come to an agreement.
Rakitic has expressed his frustration with Barcelona regarding the rumors and a perceived lack of respect. He’s maintained his desire to stay and succeed at the club but with Carles Aleña set to return from Betis and the emerging Riqui Puig, the writing is on the wall.
He will likely not be the only midfielder set to leave at the end of the season. Arturo Vidal has also been constantly linked with a move away. But Rakitic may be the first domino to fall.