Manchester United are seriously considering an approach for Adrien Rabiot as a free agent target this summer.
The Red Devil’s midfield has been a source of constant frustration for supporters all season. Time and time again the side has been cut open and the opposition have been able to exploit the huge chasm often left between the backline and the centre of the park.
Many midfielders at the club have been suffering from poor form and do not look suited to the rigors of the Premier League anymore.
Christian Eriksen, who was so important in last season’s efforts, never plays anymore. Casemiro has turned himself into an online joke with his erratic diving into tackles to avoid chasing back. Finally, Sofyan Amrabat has also failed to make any sort of impact at the football club.
Therefore, the club has been linked to numerous midfielders with exciting young talent such as Joao Neves, Andre and Youssouf Fofana.
However, journalist Rudy Galetti reports that United may return to a familiar target to bolster their hollow midfield. He states that Manchester United “are always exploring the opportunity to sign a new midfielder to replace Amrabat, who will return to Fiorentina”.
Interestingly he states, “Rabiot is a concrete option as a free agent”, before confirming that Neves and Fofana are also targets.
🚨👀 #MUFC are always exploring the opportunity to sign a new CM to replace Amrabat, who will return to Fiorentina.
‼️ #Rabiot is a concrete option as a free agent.
📑 Joao #Neves – also followed by #MCFC – and Youssouf #Fofana are among the names on the list. 🐓⚽ #Transfers pic.twitter.com/TUh7Ww1PnF
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) April 18, 2024
This is the third summer on the bounce that United have been linked to the Frenchman, as he is clearly a player that Erik ten Hag rates.
In August 2022, it was reported that Rabiot and United were inches from an agreement, only for the deal to fall to pieces owing to the player’s agent’s high wage demands. The 29 year old would eventually stay at Juventus.
Early last summer, Rabiot reportedly was choosing between offers from Manchester United and Atletico Madrid but, once again, signed a new short term deal with his current side. However, it has recently been reported this month that Juventus’ possibility of holding onto the midfielder this summer are “slim” and that the Red Devils are ready to pounce to finally get their man.
The potential deal is complex as Rabiot possesses considerable experience at the highest level, at club and international level, and, on a free transfer, in a summer where PSR could be a major issue, it would allow the club to spend big elsewhere.
However, the midfield man has just turned 29 years old and would go against the ethos of bringing in younger exciting players who are ready to take the next step up, like Neves or Fofana.
What’s more, there is no doubt the Frenchman’s mother-agent, Veronique Rabiot, will ask for a King’s ransom in wages, and with reports of the player being a problematic influence at times in the dressing room, it just may not be the best way for INEOS to start off their first summer in charge.
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