Manchester United are reportedly one of a few clubs that are ‘ready to go on the offensive’ for Adrien Rabiot, who will be a free agent in the summer.
United’s midfield, on its day, is one of the strongest in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes is a top player, and the signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have strengthened that area of the pitch a lot.
However, the players behind them in the pecking order are not quite at the same standard. While Fred, Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer are decent options to fill in, there is a clear chasm from the starters to them.
As such, United bringing in another midfield star to compete with them should strengthen the side as a whole.
That seems to be what they’re preparing to do. Indeed, Italian outlet Tutto Juve reports United are one of a few sides ‘preparing to go on the offensive’ for Juventus midfielder Rabiot.
They’ll apparently face competition from Newcastle United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. It’s not difficult to see why any of those sides would want to snap up Rabiot, especially given he’ll be a free agent in the summer.
The Frenchman has played 24 of Juventus’ 29 league games this season, missing a few through injury. During those games, he has scored eight times and provided three assists – by far the best return of his career.
That could yet improve, given there’s still a decent chunk of the season to go. Attempting to sign a player in that sort of form for no transfer fee seems a no brainer.
Tutto Juve reports Rabiot’s contract will be worth €10-15million (approximately £8.5-13million). Whichever of the interested sides manages to land the midfielder will depend on who puts together the best package.
United are being linked with quite a few players for the summer, which would suggest they’re ready to spend.
As such, it’s certainly possible they’d be able to snare Rabiot. If they do so, that could well spell the end of one player’s time at Old Trafford – McTominay.
The Scotsman has reportedly told United that he ‘wants to leave’ if he’s pushed further down the pecking order. As such, a new midfield signing could ‘force him to quit’.
However, a more recent report has suggested United still see him as a ‘valuable member of the squad’. As such, they’ve placed a £50million valuation on him.
Indeed, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if Rabiot does sign, or if McTominay’s ultimatum has any bearing on that potential deal. However, on current form, the Frenchman seems the more useful asset.
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