IN SPORT.ES
Ivan Rakitic will stay at FC Barcelona next season. Despite huge offers from all around Europe, notably from Italy, the midfielder will see out his existing deal at Barça. On Sunday 'Gazzetta dello Sport' claimed Rakitic was ready to accept a deal to join Juventus. However on Cadena COPE's 'El Partidazo' programme it's been revealed that the Croatian will stay for at least another season at the Camp Nou.
Even though there is no agreement over an improved contract both Ernesto Valverde and Josep Maria Bartomeu have insisted they want Rakitic at the club next year. Bartomeu has said any talks over a new deal will have to wait for now but that they might take place at a later date. However the arrival of Frenkie de Jong will provide even stiffer competition but it's a challenge Rakitic is willing to take on.