Barcelona’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic could prove to be the key piece in finally resolving a complex deal which would enable the return of Brazilian star Neymar to Barcelona .
Negotiations are still ongoing between Barca and PSG as they attempt to find common ground before the transfer window slams shut on September 2.
It was already known that PSG want Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele to be involved in any deal, but according to Spanish publication SPORT the French side are now demanding Rakitic as well.
PSG sporting director Leonardo is thought to be negotiating a deal which would see Dembele move on loan and Rakitic brought in permanently, while Barcelona would also pay £125million euros (around £113m) to PSG.
(Image: Getty Images)
It is thought that Barcelona are willing to let Rakitic go, while the player himself is also open to the move, and that this addition could prove crucial in allowing the deal to go ahead.
Neymar has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since he failed to turn up on time for pre-season training, and has apparently grown tired of life in Paris.
He has not featured in any of PSG’s opening three Ligue 1 games, and it appears he has burned all bridges with the club.
PSG supporters demonstrated against him in their opening match against Nimes, displaying offensive banners and singing X-rated chants telling Neymar to “go away”.
(Image: REUTERS)
The Ligue 1 champions appear resigned to losing the 27-year-old, but are determined to get the best deal possible in order to recoup the world-record breaking £198m they paid for the player two years ago.
Barcelona are hoping that a front-line of Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann will be enough to see them win a first Champions League title since 2015 and also capture their fourth La Liga in five years.
