A key FC Barcelona player is reportedly set to quit the Catalan club in order to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Serie A giants Juventus.
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According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has verbally agreed to join the Bianconeri next season.
The former Sevilla star, who joined Barca five years ago, has been a mainstay in the team's midfield since his arrival, racking up 259 appearances for the club and developing a close relationship with Lionel Messi and company along the way.
However, Rakitic has flirted with an exit from the Spanish giants in the past two years, with the club also now appearing to be ready to let him leave.
With Frenkie de Jong arriving from Ajax Amsterdam next season and Arthur having become a first-team regular, Rakitic may not be as relied upon as he has in previous campaigns.
The 31-year-old has reportedly been in contact with Juventus, who are said to be looking to replace Sami Khedira, now 32, in their midfield.
Rakitic is believed to be looking for an improved deal, something he is unlikely to get from the Blaugrana going forward.
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Paris Saint-Germain have also been in interested in the Croat in recent times, but it seems that if he does decide to leave the LaLiga side, Juve is his preferred destination.
Do you think Barca can afford to lose Rakitic? Let us know in the comments section below.
