According to a Foot Mercato report, Arsenal is currently arguing with Barcelona about a possible deal for the alleged Spurs target, Ivan Rakitic.
Rakitic is one of several players that the Catalan giants are ready to sell this summer as they try to bring in the necessary transfer funds to pursue their goals ahead of next season (Marca).
Tottenham had previously been established as the favorite for the Croatian international signature (Mundo Deportivo).
However, Foot Mercato says that Barcelona is negotiating with Arsenal on a possible exchange agreement involving Matteo Guendouzi and Rakitic.
It is suggested that the Catalan giants are thrilled to acquire the services of the French midfielder, who has fallen out of favor with Mikel Arteta.
The report claims that Barcelona proposed for the first time to exchange 50 million euros (45.3 million pounds) plus Guendouzi with Philippe Coutinho, which was also linked to a move to Spurs (Football Insider).
However, with the Gunners not affected by the proposal, Barcelona are said to have offered Rakitic and Arturo Vidal in exchange for Guendouzi.
Spurs Web Opinion
I wouldn’t be particularly disappointed if we lost to Rakitic or Vidal as I don’t think they would bring what we need in midfield. Jose has made it clear in the past that he is a fan of Rakitic but that signing a thirty-two year old with high wages does not seem a particularly attractive affair for the club. I would be surprised if we chased the Croatian this summer.
