Manchester United and Arsenal dealt blow as free-agent target closes in on move to join Ligue 1 club - Reports
Manchester United and Arsenal have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Adrien Rabiot. According to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, the French midfielder is in advanced talks to move to Marseille in the coming days.
Rabiot is currently a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Juventus this year. The 29-year-old highly experienced campaigner has amassed nearly 450 games for the Bianconeri and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
However, Rabiot had few takers over the summer and is yet to join his next club. His suitors are apparently wary of the player's wage demands. GiveMeSport have suggested that the Frenchman wants £220,000 per week in wages, along with a signing bonus and agent commission for his mother. Nevertheless, recent reports have suggested that Arsenal and Manchester United are exploring a move.
The Gunners strengthened their midfield over the summer by roping in Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. However, with Thomas Partey's contract set to expire in less than 12 months and Jorginho no longer young, the north London side are keeping their options open. Rabiot has apparently popped up on their radar.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils also invested in their midfield this year, signing Manuel Ugarte from PSG to take Scott McTominay's place. However, Casemiro and Cristian Eriksen are expected to leave in 2025. The club didn't bring in a replacement for Sofyan Amrabat, and Rabiot could be an option for the job.
However, the English clubs could face disappointment in their pursuit of the Frenchman. Marseille are already discussing contract terms with Adrien Rabiot and are optimistic about securing the player's services in the next 48 hours.
Could Adrien Rabiot have improved Arsenal and Manchester United?
Adrien Rabiot's wealth of experience could have been an asset for both Arsenal and Manchester United. The Gunners have a relatively young squad and could do with another proven figure in their team.
Rabiot could have been invaluable to the north London side, especially as they chase a historic Premier League title. Arsenal have fallen short in the race in the last two campaigns and Rabiot could have been the x-factor Mikel Arteta has been missing.
Elsewhere, the midfield remains an Achilles heel for the Red Devils. Despite investing heavily in the squad in recent years, Erik ten Hag's team still look vulnerable in the middle.
While Manuel Ugarte is likely to help change matters at Old Trafford, Rabiot could have also hit the ground running at Manchester United. However, it now appears that the Frenchman is all set to return to Ligue 1.