Newcastle are ready to after Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.
What’s the latest on Newcastle’s interest in Adrien Rabiot?
As per Tutto Juve, the French star has not yet renewed his contract with the Bianconeri which expires at the end of this season, and it remains unclear if he intends to do so.
If he does not renew his deal, Rabiot will be available for free this summer and the report suggests Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal and PSG are all ready to go on the offensive.
The 26-year-old was reportedly close to signing for United last summer, but the move broke down over his wage demands despite the Red Devils offering to make him one of their highest earners.
An experienced international and top-level player, PIF would be keen to being Rabiot to St James’ Park but will be wary as to not destroy Newcastle’s wage structure if astronomical demands are made.
Why are Newcastle interested in Rabiot?
In what has been a chaotic season on and off the pitch, Rabiot has been a rare consistent for Juventus – performing brilliantly all campaign.
The 36-cap international has notched up eight goals and three assists from 23 appearances in Serie A this season, placing him in the top 3% for non-penalty goals for midfielders in the top five leagues and providing the type of output Juve fans would have hoped from Paul Pogba after he returned to Turin from Manchester United last summer.
However, with Pogba largely injured, it has been Rabiot who has stepped up to be the dominating figure in the Old Lady’s midfield.
He has a very impressive average WhoScored rating of 7.22 in Serie A this season, coupled with 7.51 in the Europa League and 7.06 in the Champions League before Juventus were eliminated in the group stages.
Rabiot was also a key member of the French team that reached the 2022 World Cup final, being hailed for his “maturity” (via the Daily Mail) by captain Hugo Lloris who also dubbed him “a very elegant player”.
It represents a turnaround of sorts for the £149k-per-week man who has shown attitude problems throughout his career, including being banished to train with the reserves for the final six months of his PSG contract.
Standing at 6 foot 4, Rabiot has an imposing physical presence and combines it with his technical ability to control the game from midfield.
He is known for his excellent passing range, vision, and dribbling skills, making him a complete package in the centre of the park.
If PIF can secure the ambitious signing of Rabiot, he can offer top-level European and international experience as they move into the next stage of their project including, it seems at this stage, Champions League football.