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What's the rumour?
A domino effect may be seen at FC Barcelona next season with the impending arrival of Antoine Griezmann. The good folks at Diario Gol have reported that Ivan Rakitic will look to leave Barcelona in the summer if the Catalans' pursuit of Griezmann bears fruit which will then force Philippe Coutinho to play deeper in midfield.
Manchester United are touted to be the favourites to land the Croatian midfielder if he decides to leave Spain at the end of the season. Furthermore, the Mirror has projected Rakitic as the final piece of the midfield jigsaw for Mourinho and United.
In case you didn't know...
Manchester United's top priority this summer is going to be signing a midfielder. This is because Paul Pogba's future is up in the air due to his differences with the manager, Michael Carrick is set to retire and take up a coaching role while Marouane Fellaini is looking for a new challenge.
A number of midfield targets have been linked with the Red Devils so far with Rakitic being the latest of the lot.
The heart of the matter
Rakitic has been one of the integral members of FC Barcelona since joining them in 2014. On Thursday, he completed 200 appearances for the club and in that period, the Croatian has amassed nine trophies. The soon to be 30-year-old is said to be a trusted player for Ernesto Valverde and has played the most minutes this season after Messi, Suarez and Busquets.
But the transfer market has a way of changing the scenarios at a club and the signing of Philippe Coutinho and (most probably) Antoine Griezmann may just make Ivan Rakitic decide against staying at Camp Nou. United will be ready to pay a hefty price for the hardworking and creative midfielder.
Rumour probability:
6/10
Jose Mourinho badly needs a midfielder in the summer. The skill-set of Ivan Rakitic perfectly matches the kind of player that United are looking for at the moment. The Croatian will struggle for playing time next season and professionally, this move makes complete sense for all the parties involved.
Video
Just what United need!
Author's take
With Manchester United lurking and ready to pay the required amount, Rakitic will be looking to embark on a new adventure and test himself in the Premier League.
The Red Devils will get a better deal if this transfer goes through as FC Barcelona will struggle to find a like for like replacement for the Croatian.
