Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of Paris Saint-Germain starlet Adrien Rabiot, according to reports in the Metro.
The 19 year old midfielder progressed through the Ligue 1 champions’ youth ranks and was included in Laurent Blanc’s first team on a regular basis last season. However he has just one year remaining on his current contract and the midfielder looks set to leave the Parc des Prince after rejecting PSG’s offer of an extension.
The report states that Arsenal were given permission to speak to exciting midfielder Rabiot over the weekend and the Gunners have now had a £5.6 million bid accepted for the French youngster.
It further states that Roma have tried to make a late swoop to land the highly rated youngster who was also linked with a move to Chelsea, but Arsenal have offered him a generous contract in order to entice him to North London.
The France under-21 international has rejected three new contract offers at the French Champions and the Parisians are keen to cash in on him before he leaves the club for free next season. They are willing to let him leave for the cut-price £5.6 million, having previously valued their starlet at £10 million.
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Key Stats:
The youngster represented the French club 25 times last season scoring only 2 goals, but created 12 goal scoring chances. He is very consistent in finding his team mates as he averages a great pass accuracy of 90% and is also good with his shots on goal averaging a 39% shot accuracy.
Style of Play:
Rabiot is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield, from the holding role to a more box to box, attacking role. He is accurate with his passes, and mainly likes to play short.
He is an engine in the midfield constantly running ahead and tracking back. He is of a slight built, despite being 6 ft 2 inches, so he can’t physically beat an opponent, but his vision and positioning helps him exploit small holes on the pitch while he cleverly finds space for himself.
Should we Buy?
The Gunners already have an abundance of midfielders in Aaron Ramsay, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta, even Calum Chambers can do a job in the holding midfield role. Despite the talent that Rabiot has, if Arsenal are going to sign a midfielder then they are going to need someone who has experience and can slot right in.
That said, if Arsene Wenger is looking to the future then Rabiot could be too good to turn down at that price. He is a player that Arsenal could nurture and mould into the defensive midfielder we need.
Rumour Rater : 4/5
1 – Never going to happen
2 – Unlikely
3 – Could be possible
4 – Likely
5 – Done deal
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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