Ivan Rakitic Barcelona departure.

Fresh reports have again claimed long-term Chelsea target Ivan Rakitic is looking to leave Barcelona during the January transfer window.

With Chelsea seeking to add some world class quality to their squad over the next few windows, there has been some speculation in the media suggesting that they could make a move for the playmaker at the end of the season, as Chelsea are currently facing a transfer ban which does not allow the club to make any transfer moves.

Barcelona agreed a deal for Frenkie De Jong over the summer window and are reportedly willing to accept around £30 million for Rakitic, as reports suggested they were keen to to sell him during the summer transfer window to make room for their new arrivals.

But no one could match their asking price and Rakitic had to stay at the Camp Nou, but after the arrival of De Jong in the centre of the pitch, Rakitici has found game time hard to come by and has only started two La Liga fixtures this season.

And according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the Croatia international wants regular first-team action elsewhere, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan all ready to tempt him away from the Camp Nou.

Rakitic is regarded as one of the finest passers of the ball and many clubs in the game would be very lucky to have him in their squad.

Frank Lampard has some of the finest talents in the game and the future looks bright for the club, but he still needs to add that experience at the top level if he wants to get the club challenging once again and despite his age, Rakitic is a proven winner.

There will be a lot of transfer interest in the maestro, despite his age, if he comes onto the transfer market during the winter window and it would be a shock to see Chelsea make a move, but if they can get this transfer ban overturned, then he would certainly bring a bit more quality ton that Chelsea midfield.

It will be very interesting to see just where he ends up.

More Chelsea news:

CHELSEA CAN WRAP UP ‘PLAYING WITH ANGER’ SUPERSTAR DEAL , £40m Prem Star perfect Chelsea signing , (VIDEO) BEAST SHPWS CHELSEA WHY HE WOULD BE PERFECT SIGNING

Want to read more from CHELSEA? Click here to read the latest