The Ivan Rakitić dilemma - should Barcelona sell him?

FC Barcelona are rumored to be open to selling Ivan Rakitić next summer, with newspaper gossip linking Inter Milan as a possible destination. But after his performance this season, including a brilliant winner against Real Madrid in La Liga, should Barça still sell him?

Rakitić has become one of Ernesto Valverde’s pillars in the team, a key cog that is virtually undroppable in big games. His work in covering for Lionel Messi on the right, his passing, and his occasional goals have made him one of the coach’s favorite tactical pieces.

However, Frenkie de Jong arrives from Ajax next summer, and with Arthur developing into a world class midfielder already, Barça may not have space for the Croatian.

He is 30 years old, meaning that while he is unlikely to rapidly decline in the next one or two seasons, he will surely begin slowing down a year or two after that.

If Barça want to cash in on him, they have to do it soon, or else his value in the transfer market will depreciate.

Still, many pundits and journalists question whether it is prudent to let such an influential player go while he is still performing.

The player himself has told the media he sees himself at Barcelona for the long term.