The massive business, dubbed the Amazon of Japan, are using middle men to scout the market, says The Sun.
Rakuten were shirt sponsors at Barca and pumped in around £25million a year for the privilege.
But with the Spanish side in decline they are looking elsewhere and seeking more exposure in the UK.
It's expected Rakuten will target a Premier League side.
But they could even even look into a Championship team.
Rakuten's interest comes after Newcastle were taken over in a £300million deal by a Saudi consortium.
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