Liverpool to 'break the bank' to beat Newcastle United, Man Utd and AC Milan in race for midfield star
The latest transfer talk from St James Park as Newcastle United prepare for a hectic summer.
Newcastle United have once again been linked with a move for France midfielder Adrien Rabiot - but look set to miss out on his signature after the free agent received interest from a number of European football’s biggest clubs.
The 29-year-old has just become a free agent after he delayed a decision over a contract offer from Juventus after spending the last five years with the Serie A giants. Rabiot has helped the Bianconeri to the Serie A title in 2020 as well as becoming a two-time Coppa Italia winner during his time in Turin - but is now said to be considering his options after several clubs reportedly showed an interest in securing his services for the upcoming season.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano delivered an update on Rabiot’s future as he revealed the midfielder has an offer on the table to remain with Juve - but stressed any decision over the next step in his career will only be made after the end of this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Writing on his Daily Briefing website, he said: “Adrien Rabiot is technically a free agent now after his contract with Juventus expired at the end of June. Juventus want to keep the player and their proposal remains on the table: around €7m net salary per season, but Juve won’t offer more. It’s up to Rabiot now. It’s still early and he will decide after the Euros, but he has also had some contacts with other clubs. I can’t mention names at the moment because nothing is imminent, it’s just general contacts with several clubs around Europe to discuss possibilities. Let’s see how this will develop after the Euros.”
Rabiot had already given an indication over the timeframe he had set for a decision over his future when he was questioned on speculation linking him with a move away from Juve whilst on international duty in March.
He said: “I will wait to the end of the season, then we will discuss it with the club and at that moment I will see. For now, I am trying to remain concentrated, to recover from my injury, end the season well and prepare for the Euros. I am in no rush to make a decision. I must reflect carefully, seeing as I am reaching an important age in my career. I feel at my peak and it will be important to make the right choice. I think it is best to make a decision before the Euros, so I can focus on that.”
With Euro 2024 set to come to a close next week, teamTALK have claimed Rabiot is close to making a decision after informing new Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes over what it would take to beat the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and AC Milan to his signature. The report claims ‘talks are taking place’ with Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique, who is said to be ‘locked in talks with several parties over his next move’.
There have been claims Rabiot could well remain with Juventus after they offered a two-year deal worth around £6m - but is also high on the agenda for Liverpool as new manager Arne Slot looks to add a top class midfielder to the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp when he took charge at Anfield last month. The report states Rabiot ‘fits the bill’ for the former Feyenoord manager and states sporting director Hughes is undertaking ‘due diligence to find out the parameters required to get the deal done’.