Arsene Wenger reportedly had a chance to sign star midfielder Adrien Rabiot from Paris Saint-Germain in the past but didn’t pursue the possibility due to his relationship with the French club’s president.
According to Le Parisien, the Arsenal manager had made attempts to bring Rabiot to the Emirates in 2014. The midfielder’s personal representatives were willing to proceed with the move but Wenger withdrew his interest because of his good friend Nasser Al-Khelafi who wanted to keep the youngster at PSG.
Rabiot, now 21, has earned a regular place in the team since then and made 42 appearances for PSG in all competitions last season. He has had a passing accuracy of 90.3% in the two league seasons he has played for the club so far and his pass completion rate stood at 88% in the Champions League match held between Arsenal and PSG.
Seeing Rabiot’s performance against his team at the Parc des Princes stadium, Arsene Wenger might choose to reignite his pursuit for the youngster and consider making a bid in January.
Speaking to the French publication Telefoot earlier this month, the 27-year-old spoke about his desire to play in the Premier League.
“I really liked my time in England, and the life there, even outside of football,” said Rabiot. “I told myself that I will return one day.”
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“I have always had the desire to play in England, it is in me.”
The midfielder had a brief spell at Manchester City in 2008 before he joined the French champions in 2010.
Rabiot is known for his capabilities to contribute to both defence and offense on the pitch. Though he is prone to committing too many fouls at times, the Under-21 French international is known for his dribbling ability and his strength in the air.
Even though the Arsenal midfield is full of creativity and quality, it does lack aerial defensive capabilities which can not only provide support at the back but help in clearing aerial danger and launching quick counter-attacks.
The signing of Adrien Rabiot will surely be a welcoming addition if Wenger does in fact make a bid for the midfielder, however it remains a long shot with the engine room very well stocked at present.
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