Chelsea: the summer plot for Ivan Rakitic

There may still be two days left until the end of the January transfer deadline, but Chelsea is already planning for the summer period.

And according to the Spanish Sport outlet, the Blues have identified Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona as an ideal complement.

The cover of their Tuesday publication begins with this story – stating that Chelsea is ready to negotiate with Barca on the possible signing.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is wanted by Chelsea, Spanish sports newspaper reports

They claim that the Blues are ready to embark on the Croatian international in the summer

However, they say the midfielder would prefer to stay in Nou camp – despite the imminent acquisition of Frenkie de Jong (Ajax), worth £ 65 million.

Recently, talking about his future, Rakitic said that he wanted to stay in Catalonia.

& # 39; If i am here [at Barcelona]it's to play, he says.

"If anything needs to change, we'll talk. I have a lot of confidence. I know what I can give. I know who I am.

"I want to be here and, if I can renew, stay here even more years. I'm really happy here, everyone knows it, especially the president. I have nothing else to say.

"I'm 30 and I'm in the best moment of my career. I want to enjoy football and Barca. & # 39;

The 30-year-old has been a mainstay of the Barca midfielder in his last trophy-laden years.