Man Utd accelerate move for France international with Arsenal transfer to quickly follow
Man Utd have reignited a move they tried and failed to complete one year ago, and success this time around will give an Arsenal transfer the final push it needs, per reports.
Man Utd’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong dominated their agenda during the last summer window. The Red Devils presided over a multi-month chase that ultimately ended in failure.
Upon conceding the Dutchman would not leave Barcelona, United quickly turned their attention to Adrien Rabiot of Juventus.
Juventus were willing to sell the France international, though the deal collapsed when it came to negotiating personal terms.
Indeed, Adrien’s mother Veronique – who doubles up as her son’s agent – is understood to have priced Adrien out of a move to Old Trafford.
The Rabiots were reportedly seeking a net salary of around £113,000-a-week. United deemed that figure ‘excessive’ and duly aborted their pursuit. Casemiro quickly emerged as midfield option No 3 and the rest is history.
However, the story with Rabiot could have a different ending one year on, with the 28-year-old poised to become a free agent on June 30.
Indeed, according to the Athletic, Man Utd have ‘made contact with Adrien Rabiot’s representatives over a proposed move’ to Manchester.
Juve are keen to thrash out a last-gasp contract extension, though the signs on that front don’t look positive. Indeed, French outlet FootMercato recently claimed Juve’s latest offer was spurned by the player.
Rabiot can operate in a variety of central midfield roles and is coming off the back of a bounce-back campaign in Turin.
He notched 11 goals and six assists across all competitions and re-established himself in Didier Deschamps France plans despite stiff competition from Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Rabiot move to aid Arsenal transfer
In the event it’s second time lucky for Erik ten Hag and Rabiot does sign with Man Utd, the man Juventus want as his replacement is Arsenal’s Thomas Partey.
Despite being among the league’s leading holding midfielders last term, Arsenal will listen to offers for the 30-year-old this summer.
Partey has offers to join the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, with Fabrizio Romano claiming a deal worth €40m over three separate instalments is in play.
However, Partey is understood to prefer remaining in Europe and may get that chance at Juventus.
Gianluca Di Marzio reported Juve are prepared to stump up a transfer fee of around €18m-€20m (approx. £15.5m-£17.2m) for Partey. The journalist also claimed Partey ‘has already given the go-ahead for the transfer to Juventus’.
Romano subsequently confirmed a move for Partey hinges entirely on whether Rabiot stays or goes. If United are successful in luring Rabiot to Old Trafford, Partey may well take his place in Turin.
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