ERNESTO VALVERDE is desperate for midfield maestro Ivan Rakitic to remain at Barcelona amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
SunSport reported yesterday how the 30-year-old is being chased by the Ligue 1 champions – who are set to offer the Catalan club £81million for his services.
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has emerged as a transfer target for French side Paris Saint-Germain
EPA
Ernesto Valverde is desperate for Rakitic to remain at the Nou Camp
But Barca boss Valverde has stressed the importance of the ex-Sevilla star – insisting he is a vital player in his starting XI.
He said: “He is a fundamental player for us and I am counting on him due to what he does for us, the importance he had for the team last season was clear.
“I hope that he stays here.
“I want to have the best players here and he is one of the best.
AP:Associated Press
Rakitic, 30, starred during the 3-0 win against Alaves at home last week
Getty – Contributor
Rakitic helped Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia, where they lost 4-2 to France
“He knows how we play, he is integrated into the team and the club.
“We are not here to make money from a player, we aim to win and make the trophy room bigger.”
Rakitic – who is tied down at the Nou Camp until 2021 – played the full 90 minutes in Barcelona‘s 3-0 win against Alaves in the La Liga season-opener last week.
He will be looking to start against Real Valladolid later tonight for the Copa del Rey holders at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
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