Juventus center midfielder Adrien Rabiot seems to be a wanted man in the Premier League. The former PSG midfielder was linked with Manchester United in the summer, and this season, we’ve heard rumblings about Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti’s interest in the experienced midfielder.
And now, in a recent interview with Tuttosport’s Filippo Cornacchia, agent Vincenzo Morabito stated that Rabiot is on Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s “list” of transfer objectives. And interestingly enough, Morabito plainly stated that Rabiot will not leave Juventus.
How much do we buy both pieces of information? Let’s look at them separately and talk about Juve’s stance first. It would be a surprise if they weren’t open to an offer for Rabiot at the right price. He’s a quality midfielder, but is he really a starting-caliber player Juventus? From what we have seen in this up-and-down 2020-2021 season, the answer is “No”, especially if Juve go out and sign someone like Manuel Locatelli or Houssem Aouar this summer.
So I’m not sure I buy that Rabiot isn’t going anywhere. If the right offer exists, which you’d think City would be the “right offer”, then I truly believe Fabio Paratici would give the green light to a Rabiot exit.
Adrien Rabiot could fit Manchester City as a rotational midfielder
Now the more complicated piece is City’s interest. If Rabiot isn’t good enough to start for Juventus right now, why would Guardiola, who is probably running the most talented team in Europe right now, want Rabiot? He’s never been great, and there are about five better midfielders in the Citizens’ ranks than the Frenchman.
But that’s the thing, City could use the depth. Rabiot is an accurate passer, works hard defensively, and can occasionally go on breathtaking solo runs up the pitch. The left-footer could bring something different to the table for City’s midfield, and he seems to have the necessary robustness to succeed in the Premier League, as well a the technique to fit Guardiola’s side as a rotational piece.
The Premier League leaders wouldn’t break the bank on Rabiot, who isn’t exactly an ascending prospect at the age of 25, but they have the resources to give Juve a nifty cash offer. Further, while Rabiot would have an easier path to playing time at, say, Everton, City could offer him the promises of championship runs that the Toffees cannot.
There will be a lot of speculation around Rabiot’s name this summer, perhaps moreso than any other midfielder in Turin. Therefore, the piece from Morabito, which is his opinion grounded in insight, about him not leaving the club is worth keeping in mind.