Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport has learned that Italian champions Juventus attempted to recruit Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic in the summer transfer window.
Searching for a perfect successor to Paul Pogba, the Bianconeri were interested in signing the Croatian midfielder, but ultimately failed to persuade the Catalans to sell.
With Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez joining in the summer, Ivan Rakitic was ready to consider a summer exit and he was tempted by the interest from Juventus, Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, Barcelona officials were not ready to let him leave and instead are preparing a new and improved contract offer for their star player.
Ivan Rakitic has largely impressed since joining the Catalans from Sevilla, having managed 18 goals and 16 assists in 112 competitive outings.
The attacking midfielder could miss the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Turkey due to personal reasons, with Croatia priced at 8/15 to claim maximum points.
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