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What's the story?
According to the Spanish media outlet, Sport, FC Barcelona has no plans of listening to Ivan Rakitic's plea for a new contract, and this might propel the superstar to consider offers from Chelsea and Manchester United.
In case you didn't know...
With 4 goals and 3 assists in all competitions this season, the 30-year-old Croatian is a vital cog in Ernesto Valverde's FC Barcelona. The central midfielder is one of the most used players in the team and considering his performances, it goes without saying that Valverde's faith in him is justified.
Rakitic's current contract expires in 2021 but he wants to extend his stay at the Camp Nou with a new contract, as he has always flaunted his desire to retire at Barcelona.
The heart of the matter
Ivan Rakitic's future is in the air as Barcelona are not interested in listening to his plea for a contract renewal. The Croatian midfielder rejected an offer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and now he wants to renew his deal at Barcelona, but the club isn't planning on opening negotiations over a new contract.
According to the report, Barcelona warned him in the summer that they would not improve his contract, and they still think the same. If things don't go according to plan for Rakitic, he might be forced to listen to offers, as clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United want to secure his services amidst interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Moreover, the arrival of Frenkie de Jong at Camp Nou will increase the competition, and Barcelona is not worried about midfield options at the moment.
Rumour rating: 4/10
There is no doubt that a player of Ivan Rakitic's calibre will be beneficial to any squad, and he may be forced into listening to better offers if Barcelona fails to renew his deal.
What's next?
FC Barcelona will turn their focus to the next round of the Champions League, as they face Lyon with one eye on LaLiga, before meeting Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey at the end of this month.
