Serie A giants Inter maintain interest in Barcelona midfielder Rakitic

Inter Milan have made a good start to the season, much better than in recent years. With the arrival of Antonio Conte on the bench, as well as signings like Diego Godin, they find themselves second in Serie A with a genuine chance of toppling Juventus. And to try and compete with their rivals from Turin, they will look to strengthen their squad. 

One are they want to improve is in midfield and there are two names on the table: Ivan Rakitic and Nemanja Matic. Both players are experienced at the top level and would ad quality to a midfield currently built on youth. Sensi (24) and Barella (22) would benefit having someone with more experience alongside them.  

RAKITIC NO.1

RAKITIC NO.1Their interest in Rakitic is not new. They have tried to sign him before, including in the summer. They were unable to do a deal in the end, though. But with Ernesto Valverde not playing him, they want to take advantage of his current situation at Camp Nou. 

In a press conference, Inter's sporting director Giuseppe Marotta said the club wanted to maximise good options that become available on the transfer market. Rakitic is, without doubt, one of those. The player himself has admitted he's not happy out of the team. De Jong and Arthur are prepared at the moment, as is Arturo Vidal. Inter will return but they will have to match Barça's asking price. 

MATIC, AN OLD FRIEND

MATIC, AN OLD FRIENDInter coach Conte had Matic when he was in charge at Chelsea. If the club are unable to tempt Barça's hand and land Rakitic, they will turn to the Serbian, who is out of favour at Manchester United. They have already done two deals with the English club, signing Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the summer.