Ivan Rakitic to Juventus: Barcelona midfielder could move to Serie A before the transfer deadline

Ivan Rakitic has not started a game for Barcelona in 2019-20 and the Catalan club had hoped to use the midfielder as a makeweight in a player-plus-cash deal to bring back Neymar.

The Croatian did not want to move to Paris Saint-Germain as part of that arrangement, but is thought to be open to joining Juventus as the Italian champions show late interest in the midfielder.

Barcelona have too many midfielders in their squad and would be willing to sell both Rakitic and Rafinha if the right offers come in.

Barca boss Ernesto Valverde was irritated by a question about Rakitic after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Osasuna, when it was put to him that the Croatian had not played because Barcelona were trying to sell the midfielder.

"Do you really think that when I think about putting a player on, that I think of the (transfer) market?" he said. "I think about what is best for the team. If I think that's Rakitic, I'll put Rakitic on. If I want more control, I'll put Arthur on and if I want to break up the game, I'll put Arturo Vidal on."