Barcelona remain keen on landing Verratti, who has been on their radar for months.
The Italy international even expressed a desire to join the Nou Camp club, only for him to return to Paris Saint-Germain for pre-season training.
Verratti says he is happy to stay at PSG but remains open to a switch if the two clubs can agree a fee.
Yesterday technical director Robert Fernandez confirmed Barca are still in pursuit.
“We still have time. We’re following our objectives with great care,” he said.
“If an opportunity arises, we’ll try to take it, but it’s not easy to buy a player who has a contract with an important club.”
But Verratti's arrival will not come at the expense of either Rakitic or Gomes.
Barca manager Ernesto Valverde has insisted that both midfielders will remain at the club, even though there is interest in the pair from clubs across Europe.
“They are two players in my time and, of course, I am counting on them," Valverde said.
“For me, they’re not for sale. I’ll work with both Gomes and Rakitic.”
GETTY
Ivan Rakitic (right) has been mooted with an exit from Barca
GETTY
Ernesto Valverde wants to keep Andre Gomes at Barcelona
Marco Verratti scores contentious goal for PSG
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Gomes was on Manchester United's radar earlier this summer after a disappointing debut season at Barca.
The 23-year-old cost Barca £30million from Valencia last summer, with a further £17m available in add-ons.
But he struggled to hold down a starting place under former manager Luis Enrique and will hope to impress Valverde during pre-season.
As for Verratti, Barca's interest in the PSG gem is said to have increased since they missed out on new Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.