Manchester United are ready to increase the pressure to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot at the end of the season, according to TuttoSport.
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Frenchman and were close to signing him in August 2022 under the recommendation of manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman spoke with the midfielder to convince him about a transfer, but the deal broke down at the final hurdle after a disagreement over personal terms.
United have continued to be linked with Rabiot and TuttoSport claim they are prepared to ‘increase the pressure’ with his contract expiring on June 30.
The Bianconeri want Rabiot to sign a new deal with a pay cut on his €7 million per year wages, but the Frenchman is currently reluctant to decide.
He wants clarity over the managerial situation before assessing his future.
Bologna’s Thiago Motta is one of the candidates to succeed Massimiliano Allegri. Rabiot knows him well from their time playing together at Paris Saint-Germain.
However, several other clubs are in the running, and there is no guarantee that Motta will be the new Bianconeri manager.
Amidst this, United are prepared to make a ‘concrete effort’ to sign Rabiot this summer.
United should avoid making an approach for Rabiot
Ten Hag wanted to bring in an experienced central midfielder in 2022. Rabiot was an ideal fit for him after Frenkie de Jong turned down a potential move to Old Trafford.
A deal did not materialise. Rabiot went on to impress for club and country during the 2022/23 season. He managed 17 goal involvements for the Bianconeri.
The Les Parisiens graduate also starred for France en route to the World Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Rabiot has failed to replicate the same form this term with only seven goal contributions. The 29-year-old could be past his prime in the next one or two seasons.
On that basis, United should avoid making an approach for him this summer. They are better off pursuing an emerging midfielder who would command lesser weekly wages.
Rabiot, who was described as ‘extraordinary‘ by David Trezequet, was eyeing €10m per year to move to Old Trafford in 2022.
The midfielder could demand a significant signing-on fee this time around, considering his availability on a free transfer.
With United aiming to get high earners such as Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial off their wage bill, they are unlikely to pursue a deal for Rabiot.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
