La Blaugrana midfielder Ivan Rakitic has reportedly demanded an increase in wages in the middle of interest from Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain.
Having signed three midfielders already this summer, Barcelona now has to option to offload some stars that could be deemed surplus. Arthur Melo, Malcolm, and Arturo Vidal have signed for the club this summer but there are already plenty of midfield superstars who will provide heavy competition for a starting berth at Barcelona.
After the departure of legendary Spaniard Andres Iniesta this summer to Japan, there could be another midfield marshal who departs the Camp Nou before the end of the month in the form of Ivan Rakitic. The summer arrivals have put Rakitic’s spot under heavy jeopardy but Barcelona is still aware of the ability that the Croatian playmaker possesses.
French champions Paris Saint Germain are keeping close tabs on Rakitic’s situation as they are seeking for a swap deal with French midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Rakitic was tipped to leave Catalonia but his impressive World Cup campaign with the national squad has made Barcelona think twice about selling him.
The 30-year-old has been with the club since 2014 and has helped the Champions League, three La Liga titles as well as four Copa Del Rey’s. But according to Mundo Deportivo, Rakitic knows his importance to Ernesto Valverde and is demanding a pay rise amid interest from the Parisians.
Rakitic is comfortable at the Camp Nou and is demanding a pay-hike from Barcelona as their gesture towards his importance in the side. But if Barcelona fails to comply to the midfielder’s requests, Paris Saint Germain could swoop in for him before the end of the transfer window.
Author’s Take-
I guess that Barcelona have a bunch of top-quality midfielders to choose from for the upcoming term and Rakitic would play a bit-part role for the La Liga champions. However, Barcelona could use Rakitic as the makeweight to sign Rabiot as mutual interest.
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