Arsenal ready to battle Liverpool for the signature of 29-year-old Barcelona attacker

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal and league rivals Liverpool are being linked with transfers for FC Barcelona attacking midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

Spanish publication Diario Gol, as cited by the Daily Express, is reporting that the midfielder’s Barcelona future is in major doubt after Brazilian Philippe Coutinho’s huge-money transfer to Camp Nou from Liverpool FC.

The report says that the Brazilian’s arrival at the club could force the Croatian out of the Catalan club.

It is suggested that English Premier League pair Arsenal and Liverpool are both closely watching Rakitic’s Barcelona situation with a view to a potential winter transfer for the exciting playmaker.

The same report also credits Italian Serie A team Juventus with a keen interest in securing the signature of the 29-year-old this month.

The Ex Sevilla midfielder has been a regular figure in the FC Barcelona team so far this campaign, providing three assists in 18 Spanish La Liga matches for the Spanish team.

However, his Barcelona future could well be under severe doubt after the arrival of the former Liverpool star in a move reported to be as much as £145million.

The Gunners, meanwhile, are believed to be seeking attacking reinforcements, with the Arsenal futures of both Ozil and Sanchez still doubtful.