Barcelona Rumors For Rakitic

Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been one of best players in the Spanish league for the last few years, but he really came into a league of its own last season. The 26-year-old was a major reason towards Sevilla not only finishing fifth in the league, but also lifting the Europa league as well. He has now sealed a £ 16 million move to Barcelona. There has been a lot of rumours in the last few days that Barcelona would be bringing in the 26-year-old has replacement for Cesc Fabregas, who is expected to leave the club for € 33 million.

Chelsea are thought to be heading the race for the Spaniard and this deal should be completed before the World Cup. Hence, Barcelona have been swiftly to sign the player from the prying eyes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Both these Spanish clubs are thought to have had an interest in the player, but the player will now undergo a medical with Barcelona. After failing to win any major title last season, the club was expected to undergo major changes in several areas of the pitch. They are also linked with a couple of central defenders as well.

The Catalans have also been linked with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero. "We'll decide after the World Cup," said Rakitic’s father in a recent interview. "I could understand if Rakitic leaves. In an ideal world, he would stay but I know he has several offers. If he leaves, we'll try and sign another Rakitic," said Sevilla manager Unai Emery about the prospect of losing one of his important players. Sevilla will now be hoping to reinvest the huge amount of transfer fee that they have received from the sale of Rakitic.

Barcelona have already signed a goalkeeper from Borussia Mönchengladbach.