Barça aren't interested in talking about Rabiot.. for now
At the Camp Nou they're awaiting a huge bid from PSG for Rakitic and won't start negotiating for a potential replacement until the Croatian decides to leave
Barça expected a complicated end to the transfer window despite finalising their own squad two weeks ago. They were convinced that more business could happen in the final two weeks because PSG needed a world class midfielder and Ivan Rakitic was someone they were looking at.
Whatever the case, Barça don't want negotiations from separate deals to cross over with this one. Barça have tried to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer but the Frenchman won't be considered, at this point in time, as a bargaining tool to knock down the asking price for Rakitic.
Rabiot is awaiting movements
Rabiot has done his part by making it known to PSG that he doesn't want to stay there. He's rejected two new contract offers and wishes to leave, be that now or next summer on a free transfer,
PSG have done all they can and it'll be interesting to see how they react before the transfer window closes.
Their interest in Rakitic invites a line of thinking that Rabiot could be included in a deal. This is their only way of getting anything out of the midfielder's departure.
All options remain on the table but Barça's priority is to maintain their current block of starters - and Rakitic is certainly that. He's one of the most important players in Ernesto Valverde's eyes.
Another matter is if Barça receive an incredible offer, one they must think about accepting, but they won't reduce the asking price by including a player whose contract expires in less than a year.
In the case of an undesired exit for Rakitic, the club wants to keep all options open when it comes to finding a replacement. Rabiot could be one of those but with a considerable amount of money in their pocket, it opens up the possibility of signing someone better. It's a complicated moment to make decisions and negotiations are open on various fronts.
