Manchester United remain interested in signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it.
The Frenchman was a top target for manager Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2022.
He personally spoke with the midfielder to convince him over the project, but a move did not materialise due to a disagreement over personal terms. United refused to meet his €10 million per year demands.
Rabiot went on to impress for the Bianconeri last season with six goals and 11 assists across all competitions. He was fancied to leave the club on a free transfer last summer, but was eventually convinced to sign a new deal until June 2024 on the same salary.
It is now reported that there is no news over the midfielder extending his contract at Juventus and this is likely to be ‘attractive to many top-ranking teams across the channel’.
United are ‘always on the trail’ of him and could explore a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
Man Utd should look at better midfield options
Juventus were more than happy to offload Rabiot last year, but United could not find an agreement over the wages with the player’s agent, who happens to be his mother.
This proved a blessing in disguise for the Serie A outfit. The midfielder was their stand-out performer last term with 17 goal contributions, operating from the number eight role.
He has one goal and two assists in 11 appearances this season. The Frenchman has recently worn the captain’s armband following injuries to Danilo and Alex Sandro.
Bianconeri boss Massimilliano Allegri is doing his best to convince Rabiot to stay, but the midfielder is likely to move on with the club reluctant to increase his wages.
United are once again linked with his services but in our view, the club should look beyond him.
Rabiot will turn 29 before the end of the season and would be a short-term signing at best. There is no guarantee that he will quickly adapt to the higher intensity of the Premier League.
Sofyan Amrabat has had a mixed bag of performances since his arrival from Fiorentina. This is a warning sign. The club should look at a younger midfielder with room for progression.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
