Manchester United may need to speed up their plans to bring in a midfielder as Arsenal decide to make an immediate move for France’s World Cup star Adrien Rabiot.
The Juventus player reportedly came close to signing for the Red Devils in the summer, but an inability to reach a deal with his mother (also an agent) led to negotiations breaking down.
And now, according to La Repubblica (via SportsWitness), Mikel Arteta has pointed to Rabiot as the ideal player to reinforce his midfield in the January transfer window.
So far this season, Arsenal have been able to rely on a reinvigorated Granit Xhaka to fill the box-to-box role in their midfield, but the north London side lack cover for the Swiss international.
Rabiot would likely be an instant upgrade for Arteta, regardless of the marked improvement in Xhaka’s performances.
Arsenal’s excellent form has propelled them to the top of the Premier League table this season and their board is likely to back Arteta in the winter to maintain his winning ways.
Rabiot is out of contract in the summer and will be able to negotiate with potential clubs in less than two weeks.
But a transfer next month remains a possibility as Juventus want €15m for the Frenchman.
He has arguably been the Old Lady’s best player this season, with three goals and two assists in eleven Serie A appearances.
Rabiot was also fit for France’s run to the World Cup final and has done nothing to quell speculation about his future at Juventus, which is also facing financial difficulties.
With the player clearly of interest to Erik ten Hag, his availability in January is likely to put Man United on high alert.
Despite adding Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to the roster this summer, the midfield remains a concern for the Red Devils.
Eriksen, in particular, showed signs of fatigue in the run-up to the World Cup, such was United’s reliance on the Dane to provide a creative spark from deep positions.
Ten Hag appreciates Eriksen’s progressive passes from midfield, although his search for Frenkie de Jong all summer suggests the manager would also like a player in that area of ​​the pitch with good ball-carrying skills.
Rabiot certainly fits that mold and could be a shrewd addition to the team.
At a bargain price, he would fit well into the team and offer Ten Hag the opportunity to rotate his midfield, an opportunity he has hardly had since taking over.
However, as it was in the summer, the main stumbling block would be the salary demanded by Veronique Rabiot, who is believed to want €10m per year.
