Barcelona transfer news: 3 Reasons why Ivan Rakitic should be sold

After a remarkable World cup, where he ran the show with his club rival Luka Modric, Rakitic is undoubtedly in the form of his life. His exploits have attracted Paris Saint Germain, who are said to be lining up a move for the talented midfielder before the summer window shuts on August 31.

PSG are currently being investigated for their transfer activities and it is believed that they will come knocking the door for Ivan Rakitic in the near future. The French club proved that no player is beyond their reach when they shocked the world to trigger Neymar's 222 million Euros release clause last season.

With Rabiot refusing to sign an extension, the Ligue 1 Champions are looking to add a world class player to their central midfield and have identified Rakitic as that player. It remains to be seen whether Barca will entertain a sale so close to the window with PSG itching to make an opening bid of 81 Million Euros!

# - Stellar form

Rakitic has been playing brilliantly for quite some time now. Coming on the back off a domestic double, where he was influential for Barca, the Croatian continued his good run as he Croatia made a dream run to the final. In such fine form, Rakitic's market value is definitely at its highest. It is not sure whether he can carry that form into the new season after such an exhaustive world cup.

So all these things considered, it will be impossible for Rakitic to match his own form in the future campaigns, considering he is already into his 30's. So it makes sense for Barcelona to cash in on him while they can, before his value begins to drop, as he gets older.

#2 - Midfield Strength

For the first time in a number of years, Barcelona can look back and say that they had a brilliant transfer window. Often criticized for getting bullied in the window and overpaying for fringe players such as Gomes and Paulinho, the board has pulled off some shrewd business, most notably the additions of Brazilian wonderkid, Arthur and Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal.

Apart from the new signings, they have Denis Suarez, Rafinha, Carles Alena and Coutinho, who will all compete for the two midfield spots alongside Sergio Busquets. Sergi Roberto will also feature more in midfield after Semedo impressed in the pre-season.

Looking at this squad, as good a player as Rakitic is, Barcelona can do without him. With rumoured moves for Paul Pogba, Frenkie De Jong and PSG's own Rabiot, the sum from Rakitic's sale could help Barca land a world class midfielder.

#1- The Money

Ivan Rakitic is undoubtedly a class player. He has been instrumental for Barcelona's success ever since his move from Sevilla 4 years ago. But at 30, he is heading on a known path of decline of footballers.

Barcelona brought him to the club for a meagre sum of 18 million Euros, which in itself is a steal. But to sell him for nearly 81 million, that would be an amazing business for the Barca board.

Rakitic makes 150,000 Euros per week, and getting him off the wage bill would ease it for the club as well with the La Liga rules of only 73% of the club's revenue could be used for player wages. Barcelona's wages were 84% of their revenue and this deal might help them achieve that.