Real Madrid look set to pounce on a Barcelona target worth 100 million euros after news that the player has rejected the Catalan giants.
Ivan Rakitic seems to have one foot out of the Camp Nou after falling down the pecking order this season under Ernesto Valverde. The Croatia international has insisted that Barcelona is the best place to be playing football, but also said that he would be completely fine with leaving the club if he were not playing regularly.
Serie A giants Inter Milan have offered close to 40 million euros for Rakitic and he is expected to head to the exit door in Catalonia for newer ventures in Italy. Barca are looking to sign a replacement, preferably in a younger player for Rakitic, and have shown interest in Fabian Ruiz of Napoli.
Fabian Ruiz was one of the most wanted players at Barcelona since his Real Betis days, but the Andalusian side were demanding twice as much for the midfielder from a domestic side than they would from a foreign based team. Thus, Ernesto Valverde’s side was put off and decided to not pursue him back then.
Real Madrid are another team who have been monitoring Fabian Ruiz’s situation and in a turn of events, Diario GOL has claimed that the player will reject Barcelona’s advances in order to play for their arch rival. The Spain international believes that playing under Zinedine Zidane, who played a very similar role would make him a better player.
Carlo Ancelotti counts Fabian Ruiz as part of his regular plans, but the Italian giants would be willing to let go of their young talent if an offer worth 100 million euros comes calling. From their part, Napoli are trying to offer Fabian Ruiz a new contract with better salary and to force Madrid to pay a higher transfer fee, but have conceded to the fact that he will move on.