Diego Simeone wants to Sign This Barcelona midfielder at Stamford Bridge as his First Signing

Recent reports from Spain have confirmed that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has agreed to take charge of Chelsea in summer.

Chelsea is still being linked with Italian managers Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri. However that won’t stop Spanish publications to report on Simeone’s plans at Chelsea.

The Argentine manager has already started drawing up transfer plans for his stint at Stamford Bridge, and recent reports have suggested that he has made Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic his priority signing.

Spanish publication Don Balon claims that Simeone intends to bring the Croatian midfielder to the West London club in summer.

According to the report, Simeone has been a long-term admirer of the 27-year old and has previously tried to bring him to Atletico Madrid.

Rakitic has been a key part of the Barcelona team ever since his move to Nou Camp from La Liga rivals Sevilla in 2014.

He won almost every club competition in his first season with the Catalan club. He has been an integral part of the Barcelona team for past two teams, but following the arrival of Arda Turan his position at the club is not considered indispensable anymore. Barcelona might be tempted to sell him if they receive a lucrative offer in the summer.