Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have been approached by the agent of free-agent former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot with a move to the Premier League being explored.
- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
After signing only a one-year contract extension at the Allianz Stadium last summer, there was always a chance that Adrien Rabiot’s future would again be shrouded in doubt come the middle of 2024.
And that has now come to pass, the France international officially now a free-agent after his Juventus deal expired on July 1st.
HITC understands that Rabiot does have an offer to stay in Turin. But it appears increasingly likely that both he and Juve will now part ways for good, though Rabiot is keen to continue his career in Europe despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
HITC have been told that representatives working on behalf of the one-time Man City youngster have this week approached Arsenal, Liverpool and long-time admirers Manchester United to make them aware of the 29-year-old’s situation.
Reigning European Champions Real Madrid have also spoken to Rabiot. It is understood that Los Blancos see Rabiot as someone capable of providing the experience and the technical qualities lost following Toni Kroos’ retirement.
There is interest from a Fenerbahce side now under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho too.
Adrien Rabiot offered to Arsenal and Liverpool
“The renewal with Juve? I don’t know what will happen,” Rabiot told Calciomercato ahead of France’s Euro 2024 exit at the semi-final stage by Spain.
“(A message) to the fans? I think they’ve understood that I’m focused on the European Championship with my national team. And that we’ll see what happens after that.
“My focus is 100 per cent (with France). Then, obviously I’m always in contact with the club. If I’m not under contract, I’m no longer a Juventus player.”
It remains to be seen whether the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool or Man United take up the opportunity offered to them.
United were heavily linked with Rabiot before bringing in Casemiro back in 2022. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos now calling the shots, however, the Red Devils appear to have moved on from the sort of experienced, big-name signings often pursued during the Glazer era.
Rabiot is also much older than the usual Arsenal signing under Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar.
Liverpool, meanwhile, overhauled their midfield during the last summer window and may be concerned that bringing in Rabiot would harm the development of Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott or Ryan Gravenberch.
Still, the 6ft 4ins, 48-time France international is one of the most decorated footballers on the planet.
During spells at Paris Saint-Germain and then Juventus – who he joined on a free back in 2019 – Rabiot has accumulated 23 trophies for club and country.
Manchester United are long-time admirers
“He is world class,” former Juventus and France striker David Trezeguet told Sky Italia. “An extraordinary player.”
A few months ago, Rabiot opened up on his future plans. He admitted that Champions League football is something that appeals to him greatly – Arsenal and Liverpool will both have a seat at Europe’s top table next term – while ruling out a return to the Parc des Princes.
“It is true that last season I remained at Juventus knowing full well that we wouldn’t participate in European competition. That was my choice,” Rabiot told Football Italia.
“Next season, we are due to participate in the Champions League and the Club World Cup. So these are elements in my thoughts. But I have not made any decisions yet.”
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