Blow for Sarri as Chelsea target’s agent rules out a summer move for his client

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, according to Daily Star. The Blues sold Cesc Fabregas to Monaco and wanted to sign someone to provide competition to Jorginho.

Maurizio Sarri’s side were linked with Leandro Paredes (h/t Daily Star), however, the Argentine joined Paris Saint-Germain in the winter window.

Barcelona were also busy in January, completing a deal for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Rakitic will face additional competition for the midfield slots at the Nou Camp but his agent believes the Croatian will not leave in the summer.

Arturo Canales told Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Star):

“It is an impossible scenario to see Ivan leaving Spain in the summer.”

Chelsea need to have an alternative to Jorginho and Rakitic would make a decent signing. The major concern would be his age and if he can adjust to the rigours of the Premier League.

The Blues were busy in January, landing Christian Pulisic and Gonzalo Higuain. The American winger will join the club in the summer while Higuain scored a brace in the 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield.

Sarri has his work cut out for him as the race for the top four heats up. The Blues are in the fourth Champions League spot but Manchester United lie just two points behind us.

Read more: “He would be perfect for Chelsea” – Former Blues star wants World Cup winner at Stamford Bridge

Our next game is against Manchester City at the Etihad and hopefully, we can beat the Cityzens as we did earlier in the season.