Barcelona have seen their midfield severely weakened this summer, but reports claim Chelsea could play a key role in helping them land a top target.
Club icon Andres Iniesta bid an emotional farewell to the Catalan giants at the end of last season before joining Vissel Kobe, as noted by Sky Sports, while the club confirmed that Paulinho had re-joined Guangzhou Evergrande on loan earlier this week.
In turn, that leaves coach Ernesto Valverde light in that department and arguably in need of reinforcements to plug the gaps as he’ll hope to build on their domestic double from last season and compete on various fronts next year.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s hopes of snapping up Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot could be given a major boost with the Ligue 1 champions targeting a move for Chelsea ace N’Golo Kante.
The Premier League outfit will likely have no desire to see the French international leave Stamford Bridge though given his influence in the heart of the team, but should he secure a return to his homeland, that could ultimately open the door for Rabiot to move on and join Barcelona, as per the report.
Rabiot, 23, has undoubtedly displayed the technical quality and passing ability to fit into Barcelona’s preferred style of play, and so perhaps the Frenchman would be a sensible addition to compliment Arthur, with the Brazilian youngster joining in a €40m deal earlier this week, as noted by BBC Sport.
That signing in mind coupled with reported interest in Rabiot suggests that Barca are looking at a long-term plan considering the ages of the two players in question, and that seems sensible given neither Sergio Busquets nor Ivan Rakitic are getting younger.
However, it remains to be seen if Kante seals a move to PSG which in turn could have a domino effect and help send Rabiot to the Nou Camp.