Arsenal are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to acquire Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer, according to Italian sources.
The 29-year-old is now a free agent after his contract with Juventus ended.
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The midfielder has been linked to Manchester United in various transfer windows and is now available after his five-year term with Juventus concluded in June.
As per the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal is one of three leading contenders to sign Rabiot.
The report mentions that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also show interest in Rabiot, who played in five matches for France at Euro 2024, while AC Milan considered a move but are prioritizing Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.
Rabiot is managed by his mother, Veronique, who asserts that her son is drawing interest from multiple clubs.
‘It’s true, I’m talking to some clubs,’ Veronique Rabiot told Gazzetta dello Sport.
‘I’m the only contact. In fact, I am in discussions with certain clubs, but some media claim I have contacts with other teams I do not talk to. So I suppose that others speak on my behalf.
‘Since the start of Adrien’s career, I have been the sole intermediary with clubs, and if a club is interested, they must communicate directly with me.’
In an Instagram post this week, Rabiot confirmed his departure from Juventus.
‘After five seasons at Juventus, five years in Turin, I want to say goodbye and thank you,’ the midfielder wrote.
‘To all of you who have supported me. The club and all its staff. And to you fans, always close and very affectionate!’
Meanwhile, Arsenal has reportedly agreed on a €30 million (£25.3m) deal with Real Sociedad for Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.
It is understood that the 28-year-old, also targeted by Barcelona, has spoken with Mikel Arteta and agreed to join the Gunners this summer.