Alan Shearer has told The Athletic in a live Q&A session that France midfielder Adrien Rabiot is “going under the radar” at the World Cup in Qatar – amid reports that Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are all interested in him.
Rabiot, 27, is out of contract at Juventus next summer. But the France international is in the form of his life. Juventus made a poor start to the campaign, but have resurrected their dwindling form – winning six on the bounce in Serie A.
They have not conceded a goal in those six games, and Rabiot has had a hand in five goals – scoring two, creating three. That form has continued in Qatar. With Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante out injured, Rabiot has a a starting role.
A goal and an assist against Australia, Rabiot is playing well. He will start, if fit, against England on Saturday evening. Scouts will be watching on. CalcioMercato report that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are willing to meet his demands.
Indeed, Rabiot is said to be requesting a £50,000 increase on his current wage – taking him to £166,000 a week. A previous report from CM states that Newcastle have shown interest in Rabiot – and Shearer picked him out for praise.
“I’ve watched France a couple of times live at the World Cup, Griezmann is going under the radar, as is Rabiot in midfield. There are fascinating battles all over the pitch. It’s going to be a shoot-out,” Shearer said, about Rabiot.
Shearer: Rabiot going under radar amid Liverpool and Newcastle reports
What a signing he would be for most Premier League clubs, judging on his performances this season. Before the start of the campaign, you would be forgiven for summarising him as a holding midfielder – failing to live up to expectation.
But like Granit Xhaka at Arsenal, he has been given more license to move forward – and it is working. Rabiot has been superb in the no.8 role for both club and country. Given he is available on the cheap in January, expect bids for him.
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