Arsenal are one of the teams interested in signing Adrien Rabiot this summer…
What’s the latest on Arsenal’s interest in Adrien Rabiot?
That’s according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, who claim that the Gunners have already reached out in an attempt to lure the France international to the Emirates Stadium, though they face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
It’s believed that Juventus are trying to tie the 27-year-old midfielder down to a new contract but the Serie A outfit are yet to meet Rabiot’s demands of €10m-per-year (£8.9m).
His current £152k-per-week deal is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning the former Paris Saint-Germain man is free to speak to foreign teams.
Should Arsenal sign Rabiot on a free?
YES!
NO!
Is Rabiot better than Jorginho?
Mikel Arteta’s side have faltered in the race for the title in recent outings, losing to both Everton and Manchester City, meaning they are now hunting the defending champions rather than holding a strong points advantage over them.
The lack of depth across the squad has been exposed thanks to the injuries to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey and whilst sporting director Edu Gaspar was able to bring in additions during the recent January window, it wasn’t enough. The arrival of Jorginho, in particular, was a controversial one given his history with London rivals Chelsea.
At 31, it goes against the profile of recent signings but he does offer trophy-winning experience, though if the ninth-placed Blues were willing to give him up so easily, then there must be a reason for it.
Having signed an 18-month deal, it seems unlikely that the Italy veteran will be a long-term option for Arteta and still, he lacks real quality in his depth options, so a move for Rabiot could make sense.
The left-footed dynamo could even be an instant upgrade on the ex-Chelsea man as he’s a more well-rounded and complete asset tailor-made for the Spaniard’s system in north London.
Off the back of an impressive World Cup campaign, Rabiot has continued to be a key player for the Old Lady this season. Per WhoScored, he has been Massimiliano Allegri’s highest-rated performer in the Serie A, where he has provided four goals and two assists, as well as an average of 1.9 tackles and 1.3 shots per game.
It’s perhaps, therefore, no surprise to have seen the Frenchman hailed as an “absolute monster” – in the words of journalist Robin Bairner – because his current performance level suggests he can do pretty much everything needed in the engine room, a la Partey.
Jorginho, however, is a far more defensive option having registered three interceptions and one tackle against City on Wednesday night and as such, he only gives Arteta a one-dimensional option in midfield.
All in all, it would make sense for Arsenal to try and sign Rabiot on a free transfer as he’d be a bargain and top-quality addition to Arteta’s engine room.
AND in other news, Charles Watts excited by positive Gunners injury news…
