According to the latest reports, Barcelona are in the lead for the signing of Adrian Rabiot from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Manchester United too have been considering a move for the 23-year-old central midfielder but might have to look at alternate options now.
The Frenchman is a highly-talented creative presence who operates from deep central locations with a high-quality left foot. He is still developing himself into top-pedigree talent, having made 50 appearances for PSG this past season and recording 5 goals and 7 assists during that time.
It is unsure as to how Rabiot would have fitted into the Red Devils squad but Jose Mourinho remains adamant on making a fourth addition to the club’s midfield. Marouane Fellaini has agreed to a new contract while the Portuguese boss already has the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay and their new summer addition, Fred in the club ranks.
Maybe he is trying to match the talent pool of bitter rivals, Manchester City before taking on the challenges of the 2018/19 campaign. After all, going through another season without any silverware might just be enough to guarantee his own sacking from the managerial post at Old Trafford.
Here are a few candidates Mourinho should consider as an alternative to Rabiot.
Sergej Milinković-Savić
The Lazio man has proven to be one of the best young talents in the Serie A with his 14 goals and 9 assists last season. He is already on Mourinho’s summer shortlist and is pegged to appear next to Fred and Matic instead of Pogba for the upcoming season.
The latter has not gelled with the United gaffer and is almost a misfit in his defensive system. Pogba enjoys surging ahead and being more involved in the team’s attack. Even though Savic can play the similar role as the Frenchman, he might just have more discipline with his positioning and thus a better fit for the Red Devils.
Matteo Kovacic
The Croatian midfielder who featured sporadically for his country so far in the 2018 FIFA World Cup has expressed intentions to leave Real Madrid due to a lack of regular playing time. Still only 23, the former Inter Milan player is versatile enough to appear from any position in midfield.
Read More: Manchester United Reignite Interest In Real Madrid Superstar: Does Mourinho Really Need Him?
Andre Gomes
He has flopped at the Camp Nou since making his switch in 2016 and Barcelona are ready to sell the Portuguese international. Maybe Gomes can look towards greener pastures in the Premier League rather than sitting behind Sergio Busquets.
