If a report from Repubblica is believed to be true, Arsenal are weighing up a winter move for Adrien Rabiot. But the Gunners are not alone in the race with their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also keen on securing his services.
The Juventus midfielder enjoyed an impressive World Cup run with France who finished the campaign as the runners-up. But his contract in Turin is set to expire in July 2023, something that has alerted all the suitors given his availability on a cut-price deal. The Old Lady roped him on a Bosman from Paris St-Germain back in 2019, and therefore, should sanction a January exit over losing him for nothing six months later.
The 27-year-old Les Bleus international spent his youth years with various outfits – mostly in the lower leagues of French football. He also had a brief spell in England with Manchester City, but a two-year stint with Paris St-Germain helped him develop and flourish his skills. Rabiot eventually secured first-team status at Parc des Princes and went on to make 227 senior appearances across competitions.
Meanwhile, The Frenchman was in the headlines for an array of controversies towards the end of his PSG career. He left them as a free agent after refusing to pen an extension and Juventus, the then Serie A champions, handed him a pivotal role in the middle of the park. While he is most comfortable as a left-sided midfielder (also known as ‘mezzala’ in Italy), his box-to-box movements, playmaking vision and creativity as a ‘number 6’ depict his expertise across midfield.
Why Arsenal Should Sign The Frenchman
Arsenal are currently leading the Premier League standings following a remarkable turnaround under Mikel Arteta. They have a five-point cushion over Manchester City and the same must be maintained throughout the season in order to snatch the silverware from Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut.
Although the Gunners made some key signings in the summer window, they still lack ample depth in various slots including the centre of the pitch. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are currently operating as the ‘double pivot’ which allows Martin Ødegaard a free role in the advanced areas.
Young Fábio Vieira has impressed in limited minutes as a ‘number 10’, but the London hotshots are heavily reliant on Xhaka and Partey with Albert Sambi Lokonga being the only other central midfield option. Rabiot would offer a different kind of threat with his all-round ability. His creative spark as well as experience should boost Arsenal’s title dreams after two decades of anguish.
