Both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen on the Barcelona ace, according to the Spanish press.
A report emanating from Spain this morning suggests that the Reds are lining up a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, following Philippe Coutinho’s exit from the club, although they will face stiff competition from the Gunners in the race for his signature, according to Spanish media outlet Diario Gol.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined the La Liga giants from Sevilla in the summer of 2014, for a fee believed to be worth in the region of £15.5 million, and has gone on to play an important role in his side’s success, making 187 appearances, and helping them to two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy in the process.
Rakitic is a versatile player, and can play anywhere from the deep-lying midfield position, to the number 10 role.
He can also play in the wide attacking areas, although it is debatable whether he is the player Liverpool need to move forward after losing Coutinho.
The Croatia international is a fine passer of the football, and possesses wonderful vision, but he will be 30 in March, and it could be argued that he is already entering the downward spiral of his career.
Diario Gol, though, claim that Jürgen Klopp sees him as a useful January recruit, and will use some of the Coutinho funds to bring him to Anfield this month.
They also go on to say that Arsene Wenger is keen on bringing him to the Emirates, but it is unclear where the player himself would prefer to move.
With the January transfer window now open and in full swing, this will be one for Liverpool and Arsenal fans to keep a close eye on.
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