Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reportedly wants to make Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot as one of his first signings in the January transfer window.
Rabiot moved to the Italian club in the 2019 summer transfer window, having seen out his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
As per Sport Mediaset, the Gunners could sign the French international for anywhere between £21 million and £25 million after arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2019.
Arsenal face competition from Everton, who are currently managed by Rabiot’s former PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager had given Rabiot his big break in the French side.
Rabiot hasn’t had the best of starts for Juventus, having made just 5 starts in the league and a further 4 substitute appearances. His contract with Juventus expires only in 2023.
How will Adrien Rabiot fit in under Arteta at Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta got his first win as manager of Arsenal against Manchester United on New Year’s Day, which comes as a huge boost for the Gunners, who have struggled this season.
It’s quite clear that the North London side reinforcements in several areas on the pitch, one of which is midfield.
The likes of Lucas Torreira and Mattéo Guendouzi are talented young players, but they need an experienced hand around them in the middle of the park.
Granit Xhaka’s issues could see him leave the club in January, which means that the Gunners need to sign a top-quality midfielder.
Rabiot is an experienced player who is strong and powerful, and is very good in the air. The Frenchman offers decent defensive cover and a big presence in midfield, while he is also a very good passer from the midfield.
His short and quick passing can help move the ball ahead in a flash, while his strong tackling could add aggression and muscle to the Gunners’ midfield.
The Frenchman could play in the base of midfield alongside Torreira, and be given the license to move forward with the ball and make key passes in the final third.
At 24 years of age, Rabiot is young and has a lot to offer and will be a player that could be a key part of Arteta’s team for the next few years.