Juventus have not given up on Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and are insisting on a swap deal for the Croatian international before the transfer window closes on Monday.
The Italian club's interest is not new, but they have been unable to strike a deal so far. However, contact between sporting director Favio Paratici and Barça's hierarchy has been reactivated over the weekend.
After confirming that the chances of Rakitic joining Paris Saint-Germain as part of a deal for Neymar are slim. Juve got back in touch with the player and Barça to study pushing through a late deal.
Reports in Italy suggest Juve would offer various midfielders in exchange, with the name Emre Can at the top of the list.
According to the same sources, negotiations between both clubs and the player are open and the postures are getting closer. Add in the fact that, once again, Rakitic was an unused substitute for Barça this weekend.
Desmondeyum
68
📊 — Rakitic scored 71 goals in 5 seasons during his time at Barça. No other midfielder has more.
Desmondeyum
61
Imagine that you are religiously fulfilling the tasks entrusted in your job and suddenly it turns out the company want to continue without you and replace you with someone younger and more popular: Neymar. They see you as currency. Well, that's how Rakitić must feel now.
Saeehe
44
I don't know what Barça are planning to do with our team. How could we lose rakitic because we brought de jong? Why they don't consider some kind teams that are around them such as juventus Liverpool man city the players they have. if u have first eleven as a team so u need to have back up for them. Build a midfield with very though players those who have defending experience and those who have passing experience. Still we need sack this inexperience coach as he don't have tactical ability to manage this team. And get the one who can build a better team work that similar to our tactics, if not I don't think Barça will qualify to round of 16, In champion league.