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Per a report by Mundo Deportivo out of Spain, Ivan Rakitić has been targeted by Bayern Munich.
Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, two very powerful clubs at an economic level, have sent astronomical offers to Ivan Rakitic of those that are very difficult to refuse. But in addition, also Bayern Munich has addressed the excellent Croatian midfielder with the intention of signing him and offering him a spectacular contract.
The new coach of the Bundesliga champion, Niko Kovac, is German by birth but was a Croatian international and, therefore, knows perfectly the game of Rakitic and everything that could contribute to the core of Bayern Munich. That’s why he has launched a tempting proposal to take him to the Allianz Arena this summer.
Sport Bild picked the story up and offered its opinion on the possibility of Rakitić heading to Munich before the end of the transfer window.
According to Sport Bild’s assessment, this scenario is currently very unlikely. Although the Bavarians have recently let midfield star Arturo Vidal move to Barça, they are not looking for a substitute in Munich - quite the contrary. It is more likely that the Bayern still make a midfield player.
Sport Bild then went on cite a quote form Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that addressed the Bayern midfield logjam:
It is known that we have nine midfielders and a maximum of three to four positions. That’s a lot, actually too much. Therefore, both we and the coach are of the opinion that if one or the other player wants to leave, we are us deal with it seriously.
BFW Analysis
Of all the potential moves churning through the rumor mill this offseason, the rumored interest in Rakitić is one of the most puzzling considering his position (central midfield) and his age (30).
There is no reason to doubt that Kovač likes Rakitić, and also that Rakitić is an excellent player, but this would be the ultimate luxury purchase and create more of a brawl for playing time than already exists.
Clearly Barcelona and Bayern also have an open line of communication given the recent deal for Arturo Vidal, but unless Bayern is selling or loaning out two or three more midfielders, this move is probably not happening.