‘Overrated’: Serie A legend slams £25m man linked with Arsenal and Newcastle

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Juventus legend Alessio Tacchinardi has told TuttoJuve Arsenal and Everton-linked midfielder Adrien Rabiot is overrated and must improve if he’s to succeed in Turin.

While Juve earned few plaudits for their performances after the restart in June, the form of the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder at least gave Italy’s most demanding fanbase something to cheer.

Rabbit finally succeeded in forcing his way into the starting XI of now-departed head coach Maurizio Sarri, scoring one of the goals of the season against AC Milan and even being included in the France squad for the first time in two years.

Didier Deschamps has spoken in support of the sometimes divisive playmaker, who missed out on World Cup glory in 2018 after falling out with the Les Bleus boss (FranceFootball).

However, it’s fair to say Tacchinardi has yet to be convinced by the 25-year-old.

“In the last month, he pulled his head out of the sand,” the six-time Serie A champion said. “But he does well when there is no great pace (to a game). On the contrary, when the game is super intense, he really struggles.

“It is a clear, objective fact.

“He is a good player. He is certainly growing but he still has several things to improve. I would like to see him more consistent, more intense, playing with more personality.”

Tacchinardi did admit Rabiot has the potential to become an “excellent midfielder”. But it remains to be seen whether Andrea Pirlo, who replaced Sarri at the helm for his debut coaching role, has a place for Rabiot in his plans, with Arthur and Weston McKennie arriving from Barcelona and Schalke respectively.

Calciomercato reported in July that Newcastle would jump at the chance to offer the £25 million-rated ex-Man City prospect a fresh start at St James’ Park – with or without that Saudi-backed takeover.

Juventus were also willing to offer Rabiot to Arsenal in a swap deal involving Alexandre Lacazette (Calciomercato).