What’s the story?
Marco Verratti has told his agent that he wants to move to Barcelona in the summer according to Don Balon. The PSG star is ready to snub interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid to join the Catalan side.
The Italian midfielder has been on the radar of Barcelona and Real Madrid for quite some time, and now the player has made his decision according to the Spanish publication. Both sides wanted to sign a young midfielder this summer and had circled in on him.
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Verratti has been hinting on a move away from PSG since the end of last season and was a target for the Spanish Giants then as well. PSG has just let go of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and thus refused to sell him.
He has been issuing 'come and get me' pleas this season, and his agent too has confirmed that he is looking for a move away. “He has been in Paris for five years now, and he has to make a decision, learn a lot and not win or earn and become a champion. It is not a problem of money. Whoever signs Verratti will pay him a lot of money. One thing is certain: if he leaves PSG, it will be for a top European club”, said his agent.
The heart of the matter
Don Balon report that the Italy international is eager to play with Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp and that is the main reason for him to choose the club. He also idolises Andres Iniesta, and the 32-year-old has reportedly convinced him to join them.
Barcelona are still searching a replacement for Xavi, and the legendary footballer has also advised the Catalan side to sign Verratti. “Verratti would be ideal for Barca. Of course, Rakitic is doing an incredible job, very good. I think he has adapted very well to Barcelona's football. But yes, Verratti has the conditions to play in Barcelona without any doubt. And I think it is very similar to the conditions I have as a player”, he said.
Real Madrid are looking to sell Luka Modric to Bayern Munich to make space for Verratti. But the midfielder as now opted not to join Los Blancos. Chelsea too have been on the hunt for a partner for N'Gol Kante. Despite the Italian saying that he wants to work under Conte, he has decided not to join The Blues' as he wants to play in Spain.
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Author’s Take
Verratti will be a brilliant signing for Barcelona. He would make the trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez even better with his service and the Catalan side will become a formidable team in Europe again.
