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Barcelona transfer news: Borussia Dortmund deal backed but PSG double move won’t happen
BARCELONA have been told they must not sell midfield duo Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets to Paris Saint-Germain.
ESPN FC pundit and former Arsenal striker Paul Mariner says both Rakitic and Busquets are key to Barcelona going forward.
The pair have been linked with a move to PSG, with the transfer window in Europe still open.
But Mariner cannot see Barca allowing two of their top players to go, despite bringing in Arturo Vidal from Bayern Munich earlier this summer.
“I just cannot see that,” Mariner said of Rakitic and Busquets joining PSG.
I would never let any of those players go
“Why would Barcelona, they lost (Andres) Iniesta, why would they want to blow up that fantastic midfield? They work so well together.
“Yes they’ve made some additions, some quality additions. But these guys are going to play.
“Rakitic was fantastic in the World Cup, Busquets we know what he does week in, week out. He’s so consistent with his football.
“So, unless there is something bubbling under the scenes that we don’t really know about, I would never let any of those players go. They’re both misses for me.”
Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer has been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund in recent days.
And Mariner says that is a deal that would suit all parties.
“I can see this,” he added.
“Dortmund have been throwing money out like there is no tomorrow.
“Look, he’s a bit-part player. Yes he’s been playing pre-season for Barcelona, but he’s a bit-part player.
“Where is he going to fit in? For me he’s not going to fit in.
“So if Barca can create some funds and get some money, some decent money I think from Dortmund, I’m going to say yes.
“He’d be playing every week (at Dortmund).”
Meanwhile, PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot is still attracting interest from Barca, according to reports.