Arsenal and Manchester United Set to Battle for Free-Agent Midfielder Adrien Rabiot

As the summer transfer window approaches its final weeks, Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly set to compete for free-agent midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Arsenal recently bolstered their squad with the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42 million, aiming to close the gap on reigning champions Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Manchester United has made significant moves by bringing in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yor for a combined £90 million, looking to improve upon last season’s eighth-place finish.

Now, both clubs may be vying for Rabiot, who is currently a free agent after leaving Juventus this summer following a five-year tenure in Turin.

According to TuttoJuve, Arsenal has shown “significant interest” in the French international, who is prioritizing a move to a Champions League club—an advantage for the Gunners over Manchester United.

Rabiot was previously linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, where the club is seeking to enhance its midfield options after already securing a centre-back and a forward in this transfer window. Liverpool and Real Madrid are also reported to be interested in the midfielder.

Arsenal’s prospects have been boosted by comments from Rabiot’s mother, Veronique, who addressed the media’s speculation about her son’s future, indirectly highlighting the Gunners in her remarks to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 29-year-old Rabiot had a significant role in France’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting five out of six matches.

He brings a wealth of experience, having won six league titles during his stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, and he has played 60 Champions League matches.

Although valued at €35 million by Transfermarkt, Rabiot may demand a substantial wage, and his reputation for being challenging to manage could raise concerns.

While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may prefer Mikel Merino, Rabiot could serve as a valuable alternative if that deal does not materialize.