KEY POINTS

  • Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are in a race to sign Barcelona's Miralem Pjanic, a report says
  • Both clubs are reportedly likely to consider loaning Pjanic
  • The Bosnian midfielder is still dreaming of winning at Barca

A Barcelona outcast is being pursued by two big-name clubs, according to a report.

Following a disappointing maiden season with Barcelona, Miralem Pjanic is now on the radar of a host of top European clubs. Among the mentioned early suitors of the veteran midfielder are English Premier League side Chelsea and reigning Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain, French outlet Le10 Sport reported.

While the type of offer is yet to be known, the report suggested that a loan deal would be “attractive” to both Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Pjanic left Juventus for Barcelona last summer in a player-plus-cash deal that sent Arthur Melo to Turin. However, it appears that the Bosnian has been deemed irrelevant by Barca manager Ronald Koeman.

To date, Pjanic has only played 18 league matches for Barcelona, recording the least number of games he has ever played since 2011.

Expressing his frustration over his situation, Pjanic lashed out at Barca’s current system several times in the past. According to the 31-year-old, playing for Barcelona has always been his dream, but when he finally arrived, things did not go as planned.

"I decided to start my career in France but I always followed what Barca did," Pjanic said in March. "Two years ago, [Eric] Abidal wanted to sign me, we were talking but the club invested in Antoine [Griezmann] and there was no money left for me.”

"I had to wait to live the dream of being a Barca player,” he continued. “I came to Barca because of my game and my experience as a winner, that's what they asked me to contribute when I signed. They told me that my character and my experience would be vital to grow a generation of young people from La Masia who were climbing very strongly."

Miralem Pjanic of FC Barcelona looks on during the Supercopa de Espana Final match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Estadio de La Cartuja
Miralem Pjanic of FC Barcelona looks on during the Supercopa de Espana Final match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Estadio de La Cartuja on January 17, 2021 in Seville, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. Getty Images/Quality Sport Images

Prior to his fierce statement, Pjanic had earlier questioned Barcelona's decision to sign him and then make him a fringe player in the club.

Despite his difficult situation and transfer rumors linking his name to a move away from Camp Nou, Pjanic insisted that he will not give up his dream of winning at Barcelona.

"I did not sign for Barca to leave the following year," the former Juventus playmaker pointed out. "I signed to make history in a club that had been on my path for many years."

Pjanic is already considered one of the most remarkable veterans in the sport. After 14 seasons as a professional, he has won four Serie A titles and the Bosnian Footballer of the Year award in 2014.

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