Barcelona change course with regards to Arturo Vidal’s future

Barcelona now willing to keep veteran midfielder.

Before the start of the season, Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal was being linked with a move to Serie A. Those rumors persisted as the campaign went on and was close to leaving during the winter transfer window.

A deal never went through but it had been assumed that come the summer window, Vidal would finally make the move to Inter Milan who he had been constantly linked to. However, that may no longer be the case.

More from Everything Barca

• FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
• FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
• Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
• FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
• Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have changed their minds and are now considering keeping the Chilean midfielder.

The higher-ups at the club are happy with his performances this season and his contributions with the squad as a whole.

He’s been crucial since Quique Setien arrived despite not fitting into the mold of what many consider a traditional Barcelona midfielder. He’s not going to  thread a ball or be the best at keeping possession.

What he does offer is a bit more athleticism and “chaotic energy” when he’s on the pitch. At times that can be a good thing but it can also result in needless fouls and cautions when he loses the ball and tries to win it back.

Both he and Ivan Rakitic were ticketed with a move away but it now seems that of those two, it will be the Croatian midfielder who the club will try to sell.

Former Barcelona manager heaps praise on Vidal.

Vidal has seemingly won over his detractors with his displays on the pitch that have seen him score 8 times this season which is the third-highest tally of his career.

Former club manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino also heaped praise on the 33-year-old player.

"“I see Vidal as the heart of the team for what he gives, but also for how he works , gets in the box and scores.“I see him recovering from last year, which was not good. This has been a great year for Arturo and for me he could definitely stay at Barça.”Source: Goal"

Vidal has come a long way from his first season when an exit was all but assured after taking to his Instagram page to complain about lack of playing time under Ernesto Valverde. He’s now become pretty much first choice and is set to see out the remainder of his contract.

If an offer comes in that is too good to pass up, Barcelona will surely consider it. The plan does seem to have changed and if Vidal wants to stay, then he will be at the Camp Nou come next season.