According to Cadena SER's El Larguero program, Atletico Madrid will attempt to sign Barcelona's midfielder Ivan Rakitic in the summer transfer window.

What's the word, then?

Even though the Croatia international remained at the club in the winter transfer window, it seems that he just might be in high demand in a few short months.

The same source explains that Atletico Madrid have already made contact over a move for the midfielder and they will make him their priority once the market opens.

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Cadena SER also explain that Barcelona were trying to move the player on but no offers were tempting enough for them to offload him.

Interestingly enough, Rakitic was also subject of Manchester United interest towards the end of January and ESPN even noted that an enquiry was made for his services.

If the Croatian remains on the Red Devils' radar, Diego Simeone might have a problem on his hands.

Verdict

Rakitic has been somewhat of a bit-part player for Barcelona in 2019/20, falling down the pecking order and playing just 1085 minutes across all competitions to date.

This is reinforced even more by the fact that he has started only eight out of 25 games in La Liga and largely been relegated to the bench.

But this has more to do with Barcelona's current needs and the competition within the squad.

The Croatian is slowly ageing but he can still be a good asset to Simeone for at least a couple of seasons more. With his contract expiring in the summer of 2021 and him already being 31 years of age, he should be an attainable target.

But Rojiblancos should be wary of other suitors potentially having the same idea.

In other news, the signing of Bruno Fernandes might finally mean Man United can afford to move on their star player...