£34m star knows Man Utd want to sign him, dreams of Premier League move - report
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is aware of Manchester United’s interest in signing him on a free transfer this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The 29-year-old has been a long-term target for the Red Devils and he came on the cusp of joining them from the Bianconeri in the summer of 2022.
Back then, a transfer fee was agreed between the clubs, but a deal did not materialise in the end after United were reluctant to hand him a pay rise.
Corriere dello Sport (page 15) today claim that the Frenchman has yet to make a decision whether to prolong his stay at Juventus beyond June.
The Bianconeri want him to sign a two-year contract at least such that they can spread his €7.5 million annual salary in their financial books.
Rabiot is still pondering over his next move. He is currently reflecting and is aware of United’s interest in bringing him to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Juventus are aiming to sign Bologna’s Thiago Motta as their new manager. It is claimed that his arrival could change Rabiot’s stance.
The midfielder was a teammate of Motta at Paris Saint-Germain for five seasons and a reunion could persuade him to accept a new deal.
United unlikely to return for Rabiot this summer
United manager Erik ten Hag explored the possibility of signing Rabiot two years ago.
The Dutchman personally spoke with the midfielder to convince him over a transfer. Rabiot appreciated the same, but United refused to meet his €10m per year demands to sign a three-year deal.
The Red Devils eventually signed Casemiro from Real Madrid instead. Rabiot, on the other hand, stayed at Juventus where he had a good 2022/23 season with 17 goal contributions in all competitions.
However, the Frenchman has managed only eight involvements in the current campaign. In our opinion, the ship has already sailed with regards to Rabiot making the switch to Old Trafford.
The £34 million-rated star is already 29 years of age and he would demand a significant signing-on fee on top of his wages to join another club on a free transfer.
United are currently aiming to reduce their wage bill with the departure of experienced stars who are nearly past their prime. It does not make sense to revive their interest in Rabiot.
Rabiot still wants to play in the Premier League, but we don’t see the prospect of him moving to the Red Devils. He could end up staying in Turin with the appointment of manager Motta.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com