Why Man Utd and Arsenal are among those linked with free agent Rabiot

 

There are a number of high-profile free agents on the market at present but perhaps none more so than Adrien Rabiot. The midfielder, who featured in five of France's six games at Euro 2024, departed Juventus earlier this month having been released upon the culmination of his contract. 

 

It's not the first time Rabiot has been in this position. Indeed, he ran down his PSG contract back in 2019 before moving to Juventus, with the 29-year-old prepared to hedge his bets that he'll find a new club before too long. To his credit, Rabiot will have a lengthy list of suitors. He was solid for the Old Lady last season, returning a better WhoScored rating (7.07) than any player as Juventus finished the season third. 

 

The next port of call for Rabiot appears to be the Premier League, and his high-energy, tenacious approach will suit a number of interested parties. Manchester United were previously linked with a move for Rabiot, while Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the Frenchman. 

 

 

The four sides, among others, are ones that would benefit from the addition of another hard-working midfielder that is prepared to press high up the pitch. In addition a player of Rabiot's calibre would bring crucial winning experience. He's one with ample winners' medals, and this mentality would benefit those seeking to overhaul Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. 

 

An industrious individual, Rabiot put up an impressive two tackles per 90 in Serie A last season and was dribbled past just 15 times across 31 appearances, returning an impressive 79.5% tackle success rate. While a smaller sample size, Rabiot still managed a 90% tackle success rate on France's route to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. It's no wonder he's been a first team regular for both club and country when available in recent years. 

 

In addition, with a desire to win the ball high up the pitch, Rabiot put up impressive numbers of five goals and three assists in Serie A last season, and this willingness to get upfield to help force turnovers in dangerous positions is a hugely desirable trait. Using Arsenal as an example, you have to appreciate the importance of a left-sided central midfielder who can both provide defensive cover on this side of the pitch and maximise the ability to push on to support the offensive. 

 

 

Granit Xhaka carried out this role superbly in his final season at the club and Mikel Arteta sought to fill the void with the addition of Kai Havertz. In short, the Gunners failed to fully replace the Swiss and are again looking to rectify something of a problem position as they look to lure Mikel Merino to the Emirates. While he'll likely have higher wage demands and request a substantial signing on fee, Rabiot would also be a superb fit for this role in Arsenal's 4-3-3 setup, and a viable alternative to Merino if the north London side are not willing to stump up the fee for the Real Sociedad man.

 

With Liverpool, United and Tottenham also eyeing up a combative central midfielder, potential suitors should be scrambling for Rabiot between now and the start of the new season. He may not be the most glamourous name in the game but Rabiot can perform the duties of a number eight to an extremely high standard. As one of the best free agents on the market, you can be sure he'll have his pick of the clubs when the time comes to make his next move.

Why Man Utd and Arsenal are among those linked with free agent Rabiot