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 definitive answer from him.
United and Madrid are among the clubs who are evaluating the option of signing him on a Bosman deal. Inter and AC Milan are also mentioned as potential candidates.
Red Devils should not return for Rabiot
The 29-year-old was a top target for manager Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2022. The Dutchman personally called the midfielder to convince him over a transfer.
Things were moving in the right path 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 £6m annually. Rabiot has since become an influential player for the Bianconeri with 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 Euro 2024. 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 10 occasions per league game.
The Frenchman has been described as an ‘extraordinary‘ player by David Trezequet in the past, but he would only be a short-term signing and could be out of his prime soon.
Rabiot may want a huge signing-on fee alongside a good salary. United could be better off signing a young emerging midfielder with immense potential on lesser wages.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com