Walter Sabatini has told Tuttosport that it is ‘reckless’ to label reported Arsenal transfer target Adrien Rabiot ‘poor or mediocre’ for his performances in the Juventus midfield.
The Frenchman has been on the end of regular criticism from the Bianconeri fanbase since moving to Turin in 2019. He joined the Serie A giants on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of his contract.
Rabiot is now midway through the £6m-a-year (£115k-a/w) terms he penned at the Allianz Stadium. But he may not enter the second half, with the Old Lady open to offers in January.
Reports by TuttoJuve claim Juventus have set a €30m (£25m) valuation as they attempt to trim their wage bill. He would also demand a €10m-a-year (£161k-a/w) deal to leave Turin.
But Rabiot and Juventus’ demands make a winter transfer difficult, as TuttoMercatoWEB note Arsenal and Newcastle United are reluctant to advance their interest given the fees.
The 26-year-old has also made seven of his 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season at left-midfield. He has only started in a natural central role on seven occasions.
Sabatini defends Arsenal target Rabiot from Juventus criticism
Long-time Italian sporting director Sabatini believes the criticisms Arsenal transfer target Rabiot receives for his Juventus performances are unjust, however. Instead, fans target the 24-cap France international as his position in the side puts him under a spotlight.
“I respect everyone’s opinions,” Sabatini said. “But those who define Rabiot as a poor or mediocre midfielder are reckless.
“I haven’t changed my mind about Adrien! He is very strong, but he has a flaw. When he plays badly, by characteristics he is one that you notice and take the whistles. There are many other players who go unnoticed when they hurt.”
One of Rabiot’s major flaws is the midfielder’s lack of physicality, which proved very costly when Juventus lost 4-0 away to Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea in the Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated Rabiot whilst he held down a left-sided role at Stamford Bridge. The outcome of the meeting was not a rarity, either, as Rabiot has often struggled with physicality in Serie A so far this season, as well.
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