Manchester United are the front-runners to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer at the end of the season, according to Corriere di Torino.
The Red Devils are likely to reinforce their midfield department this summer and have been linked with Rabiot amid the uncertainty over his contract situation.
His current deal at the Bianconeri expires on June 30 and he has no intention to prolong his stay due to the lack of clarity over the manager’s position.
Massimiliano Allegri played a big role in convincing Rabiot to stay for another year last summer, but there are now claims that the Italian tactician could be dismissed.
Rabiot’s agent and mother Veronique continues to hold talks with the Turin giants, but Corriere di Torino (page 25) claim there is a possibility he could move elsewhere.
United and Bayern Munich are reportedly ‘above all’ in the race to sign the 29-year-old, who was described as an ‘extraordinary‘ player by David Trezequet during the 2022 World Cup.
Signing Rabiot would prove a backward step for United
The Red Devils were keen on landing Rabiot in 2022. Manager Erik ten Hag personally contacted the Frenchman to convince him about a move to Old Trafford.
Rabiot was impressed by the same, but a deal did not materialise after United refused to meet his wage demands. While the midfielder was eyeing €10m annually, they were only willing to pay €7m per year.
United are now being linked with a Bosman move for the €40 million-rated star. However, this could be a backward step, considering he could be past his prime in one or two seasons.
The club made a similar mistake in 2022 by signing Christian Eriksen and Casemiro on big wages. The experienced duo have shown signs of regression this season.
If the hierarchy want to bring in another midfielder, the focus should be on an emerging star with potential instead of Rabiot, who would also demand a significant signing-on fee.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
