Barca close in on Rakitic as Marquinhos and Bravo talks continue

Andy West 15:50 07/06/2014
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  • Making a Rakit: The Sevilla man's (l) form this season alerted a number of big clubs across Europe.

    Barcelona are hoping to tie up three transfers in the next few days as they continue negotiations for midfield man Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Real Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. 

    The arrival of Rakitic would offset the anticipated departure of Cesc Fabregas who is poised to make a return to the English Premier League, with Chelsea believed to be in poll position after Jose Mourinho admitted his interest in the ex-Arsenal captain. 

    Fabregas has endured a mixed three seasons at the Nou Camp, struggling to establish a consistent role in the team and often being the fans’ scapegoat for poor team performances. 

    Team-mate Gerard Pique caused controversy earlier this week after being recorded by Spanish TV telling Spain boss Vicente del Bosque that a €33 million (Dh165.4m) deal has already been agreed.

    Potential replacement Rakitic is a hero figure at Sevilla, having captained the team to an excellent season which culminated in a dramatic Europa League triumph against Benfica in Turin last month.

    The Croatia international has stalled over a new contract offer from his current club, and has also attracted the interest of both Atletico and Real Madrid after recording 12 goals and 11 assists during the recently-concluded La Liga campaign.

    Rakitic’s preferred option is the Nou Camp, and the clubs are believed to be close to agreeing a fee in the region of €18m (Dh90.2m) for the 26-year-old, making him the second Croatian midfielder to arrive in Barcelona this summer, following the Catalan club’s capture of teenage starlet Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb.

    Bravo, who is currently in Brazil as part of Chile’s World Cup squad, is being pursued to provide cover and competition for already-signed Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

    The 31-year-old is keen to move to the Nou Camp but the deal is believed to have been held up by negotiations over Barca midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, who Sociedad are keen to take to the Anoeta as part of the deal.

    Barca are also believed to be in advanced negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, who is likely to become surplus to requirements after the anticipated arrival of David Luiz from Chelsea.

    The Spanish giants are desperate to bolster their defensive ranks following Carles Puyol’s retirement, and regard the Brazilian, 20, as a potential long-term fixture in the centre of their back four.

    However, Barca face competition for the former Roma and Corinthians youngster, who will cost in the region of €30m (Dh150m), with Manchester City also reportedly keen on securing his signature.

    And Barca will almost certainly miss out on another defensive target after highly-rated young defender Aymeric Laporte yesterday signed a new four-year contract at Athletic Bilbao, with the Basque club inserting a prohibitive buy-out clause of €42m (Dh210.4m)

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