Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo Rumours

Ivan Rakitic reportedly turned down offers from Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea this summer to stay at Barcelona. The Croatian playmaker is one of three of the club's biggest stars in line for a new contract.

Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN FC's Michael Wade) detailed why the duo from England's top flight was so keen on testing Barca's resolve over Rakitic:

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Jose Mourinho is said to have remained keen on the Croatia international, even after landing Paul Pogba in a world-record transfer deal, while Antonio Conte wanted the 28-year-old former Sevilla man to line up alongside N'Golo Kante in a new-look Chelsea midfield.

Rakitic was regularly substituted by Barca boss Luis Enrique last season—one reported reason for the likes of United and Chelsea believing they had a chance of signing him—but he is now in line to extend his contract at Camp Nou, which currently runs until 2019.

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It makes sense for any top clubs to be interested in a deal for Rakitic. After all, the 28-year-old is one of the most skilled and versatile midfielders in the game.

He's defied expectations since arriving at the Camp Nou from Sevilla in 2014. Rakitic was initially seen as the obvious heir apparent to pass-master Xavi Hernandez.

Yet, he's proven to be almost as effective as club legend Xavi, albeit in different ways. Specifically, Rakitic is more progressive going forward, as seven goals in La Liga last season, per WhoScored.com, help illustrate.

Rakitic helped Barca win a second-straight league title last season, one year after winning the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League in his debut campaign.

His ability to get forward has already shown up this season, when Rakitic headed in the winner for Barcelona's 1-0 victory in Athletic Bilbao. He can also dictate passing around the halfway line and even be a playmaker from deep if needed.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press/Associated Press

It's no wonder Barca are keen to tie him down with a new contract. Director of professional sports Albert Soler recently told the club's official site how important it is to retain key players: "The duty we have now is to renew Rakitic, Suarez and then Messi. The Club does not stop."

A new contract would be just reward for a player who has established himself as an essential part of Barca's continued success, both domestically and in Europe. Barca's keenness to keep him, despite the summer arrivals of midfielders Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes, speaks volumes about Rakitic's significance.

Barca Wanted to Keep Claudio Bravo

Barca are trying to keep Rakitic, but the club has already seen one key first-team player depart. Claudio Bravo signed for Manchester City, and former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, during this summer's transfer window, but the Blaugrana reportedly wanted to keep the Chilean goalkeeper.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press/Associated Press

Bravo has been replaced between the sticks by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez told RAC1 (h/t FourFourTwo) how Bravo helped 24-year-old Ter Stegen improve.

He also revealed how the club tried to get Bravo to stay at the Camp Nou: "Nobody told Bravo he'd be second choice. We wanted to renew his contract, but he had other projects in mind."

Bravo proved a very shrewd signing from Real Sociedad in 2014. Still, the long-term aim always seemed to be for Ter Stegen to make the job his own.

At 33 years old, Bravo seemed expendable. However, it's easy to believe Barca may miss his steady assurance between the posts as the season wears on.

Keeping a core of key players can be difficult for big clubs, who usually have several marquee talents vying for playing time at the same position. Barca couldn't maintain the juggling act with Bravo, but it's vital the club retains Rakitic.