Arsenal are preparing to making a concerted move to sign Adrien Rabiot ahead of the summer transfer window, according to David Ornstein.
Speaking on the Arseblog podcast, the BBC Sport correspondent claimed the Gunners are big admirers of the France international, who is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
“There are credible reports that Arsenal will come back in for Rabiot,” Ornstein said. “There are people within Arsenal who are very keen that they sign Rabiot, or at least make a concerted effort. He’s very highly admired.
“There are some complications, around him, particularly around the people you have to deal with and his salary demands. But that’s certainly one to keep an eye on.”
OPINION
Given that Rabiot is a multiple title winner in a major league, is capped by France and has extensive Champions League appearances, he would be a fine signing for Arsenal in the summer window. Throw in the fact any deal will not involve a transfer fee – although there would doubtless need to be a mammoth salary and signing-on fee – and he starts to look like a brilliant bargain for any side requiring a central midfielder who combines grit and guile. Rabiot was strongly linked with Tottenham in the January window, and how Gooners would love to beat their bitter rivals to the signing of a player who is the real deal and capable of making a big impression in the Premier League. Rabiot’s physical qualities and technical excellence would put him above any of the central midfielders currently at Arsenal, where Grant Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi have been the first choices under Unai Emery this season.