Manchester United could go head-to-head with Real Madrid to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer next month, according to Calciomercato.it.
The Frenchman has been a key player for Juventus, but his future could be away from the club.
Rabiot’s current deal expires on June 30, and the Bianconeri have run out of patience. The waiting time has expired, and the club now wants a definite answer from him.
United and Madrid are among the clubs evaluating the option of signing him on a Bosman deal. Inter and AC Milan are also potential candidates.
Red Devils should not return for Rabiot
The 29-year-old was a top target for manager Erik ten Hag in 2022. The Dutchman personally called the midfielder to convince him about a transfer.
Things were moving in the right direction after a fee was agreed with the Bianconeri, but the hierarchy eventually refused to meet his £8.5 million per year salary demand.
United were reluctant to pay him more than £7m annually. Rabiot has since become an influential player for the Bianconeri, making 25 goal contributions in the last two seasons.
He has also become a mainstay with the France national team. He is currently one of the first names on the team sheet at the 2024 European Championship. Despite this, United should avoid an approach for him.
Rabiot is not necessarily known for his ball control in midfield. He had a passing accuracy of only 84 percent last term, losing possession on ten occasions per league game.
The Frenchman has previously been described as an ‘extraordinary‘ player by David Trezequet, but he would only be a short-term signing and could be past his best soon.
Rabiot may want a huge signing-on fee alongside a good salary. United could be better off signing a young emerging midfielder with potential on lower wages.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
