3 Players Arsenal should target in January to replace Granit Xhaka

#3 Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)

Ivan Rakitic has lost his place in the Barcelona starting XI.

Ivan Rakitic has transformed into one of the best midfielders in the world since moving to Barcelona and over the last five years, the Croatian has played a crucial role in helping the Spanish giants win UEFA Champions League, four La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey on four occasions.

This season, however, Rakitic has not been as involved with the Barcelona first team as he would have liked and out of the ten games he has played for them this season, he has started only one.

There are already rumours that Rakitic could be set to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window with the Croatian expressing his displeasure at not getting enough playing time this season. Rakitic said:

"I understand and respect the decisions of the coach or a club or whatever, but I think I've given a lot in these five years and I've been at my peak here. And what I want is to be able to continue enjoying, that is the most important thing for me. I enjoy playing. I'm 31 years old, I'm not 38, and I feel at my best."

At 31, Rakitic still has a few good years ahead of him and if he is looking to leave Barcelona then Arsenal needs to go after him. Having worked with Emery before at Sevilla, Rakitic might find it easier to adjust to his tactics and there is no denying his presence and wealth of experience would solidify the Arsenal midfield.

Since Santi Cazorla left Arsenal, the Gunners have been crying out for a good passer of the ball and while Dani Ceballos has not fulfilled that role so far, Rakitic could be that player. Arsenal's Head of Football, Raul Sanllehi, who was the Director of Football at Barcelona, could use his connections at the Spanish giants to push the deal through even if it was a loan deal for the rest of the season.