AC Milan Join The Race For Frustrated Barcelona Midfielder In January Showdown

Calcio Mercato are reporting that AC Milan have joined the mix of the clubs pursuing Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic. The Croatia international seems to have lost his starting spot to marquee signing Frenkie de Jong from Ajax and has only features in five league games this season. The player is frustrated and is apparently pushing for a January exit from the Spanish giants. The initial pursuants of the midfielder appeared to be Juventus and Inter Milan however both of those links fell apart as Juve's president denied the pursuit while Rakitic laughed off the links to Inter. However in the past week, reports have re-emerged on his frustration and the names of AC Milan and Manchester United have come forward as the key contenders for his signature.

The links to Milan are growing due to the presence of Zvonimir Boban and his deep ties to Croatian footballers. In his time with Milan he has negotiated for Luka Modric and Ante Rebic, he succesfully brought the striker to Milan but conceded that Modric was too tough a target. This may be another bold attempt from the Milan director to boost the squad. The cost will be a major factor to determine whether the transfer will make to through but Milan face tough competition as United surely will not be the only other big time to go all in for the World Cup finalist.