However, the latest reports from Spain suggest that news is not going down well with everyone at the Nou Camp.
According to Diario Gol, Rakitic sees Coutinho’s potential arrival as a huge threat to his playing time.
And he’s apparently told key Barcelona man Messi that: "if Coutinho comes I'm going".
Rakitic, who wants to guarantee his place in Croatia’s 2018 World Cup squad, is said to be on the radars of Serie A sides.
GETTY
Barcelona want to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window
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And Barcelona will reportedly listen to offers for him and accept any that meet their valuation.
Coutinho must first arrive to take Rakitic’s place in Ernesto Valverde’s midfield though.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has high hopes that a deal for Coutinho can be agreed in January.
Barca’s reluctance to sacrifice Sergi Roberto in part-exchange means they will have to stump up £124m for the Liverpool playmaker.