Dramatic contract U-turn forces agonising wait for Arsenal, Liverpool as notorious negotiator opens talks
Veronique Rabiot, Adrien Rabiot agent and mum
With his contract at Juventus set to expire at the end of the season, Adrien Rabiot’s future is up in the air but the club are still keen on tying him down.
The 27-year-old has been a regular starter for Juventus this season and he has attracted interest from around Europe. The midfielder also starred at the World Cup for France and is highly rated by his peers.
Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool have been monitoring his situation for quite some time. Liverpool are keen on bolstering their midfield and Rabiot could be well-suited to their system.
Likewise, Arsenal have been an admirer of the French midfielder for quite some time now. With Mikel Arteta keen on adding some midfield reinforcements to his side.
Juventus have been doing well recently in Serie A as they now find themselves third in the table. Massimiliano Allegri’s side had won five games on the bounce before they were taken apart by Napoli in a 5-1 defeat.
Football Italia has confirmed that Rabiot’s mother and agent, Veronique, were spotted at the Juventus training ground on Wednesday to discuss a potential new contract.
Juventus have been at a standstill with Mrs Rabiot – known as a tough negotiator – for some time now. The club are reportedly willing to offer €7m (£6.2m) per season, plus add-ons.
However, the 27-year-old Frenchman is said to want €10m per season, plus a higher signing bonus. If Rabiot was after a more lucrative contract then a move to the Premier League would make sense.
Liverpool need midfield additions
Given their shortcomings in the Premier League this season it is no surprise to see Liverpool monitoring a player like Rabiot.
The Frenchman would give Liverpool a wealth of experience, whilst also being younger than the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho.
Liverpool wasted no time at the beginning of the month by signing Cody Gakpo. While they are still keen on signing more players this month, it has been suggested that they are already looking towards the summer.
If Rabiot doesn’t decide to extend his contract with Juventus he would be a cost-effective signing on a free transfer.
When quizzed about further January incomings, Klopp told reporters: “We look outside [to transfers] as well. It’s not that we’re stubborn ad we keep these boys until 2060.
“It’s all about what you can do and want to do and each year is the same. Each press conference someone asks you to ask me about transfers during the window.
“Yes, we have to strengthen. Is this the right moment to do it? I can’t see it.”
Their transfer business could be influenced by their league finish this season. If Klopp’s side do miss out on Champions League football they could have a tough time convincing players to join.
