After Real Madrid, Manchester United closing in on beating Liverpool for another big signing
Manchester United have shown an aggressive approach during the transfer window under INEOS REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Adrien Rabiot is reportedly eager to move to the Premier League, with Manchester United being dubbed as his preferred destination.
The central midfielder enjoyed a largely successful spell at Juventus, where he made 212 appearances and lifted the Serie A title in 2020. The Turin club offered him a new deal in the hopes of retaining his services, but Rabiot rejected the proposal in favour of a free transfer to a new club.
Given his abilities and experience, several clubs from all across Europe and beyond are interested in signing the French international on a free transfer. But if widespread reports are to be believed, he is leaning towards an exciting challenge in the Premier League.
Thus far, the 29-year-old has been linked with potential moves to two of England’s biggest clubs. But Rabiot has a clear favourite, and it is there that he would like to get his final bumper European contract.
Liverpool and Manchester United to battle it out for Adrien Rabiot – report
According to journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin (via UtdDistrict), Adrien Rabiot is currently in discussions with both Liverpool and Manchester United over a potential summer move.
However, Rabiot has a clear preference for the Mancunian giants, and is pushing for a switch to the Old Trafford outfit.
This development could see the Red Devils beat yet another European giant in a transfer race during the ongoing summer window. Just a week ago, the Mancunians defeated Real Madrid in the race to sign the generational defensive target, Leny Yoro.
Meanwhile, recent reports have added Rabiot’s name to Manchester United’s summer wishlist as well. Until this point, it only had one midfielder on it: PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.
It is unclear whether the club will pursue both these options this summer given their different talents, or make it a simple either-or situation.
Read More: How Real Madrid have reacted to losing Leny Yoro to Manchester United
To make space and money for midfield reinforcements, the 20-time English champions are also considering offloading the likes of Casemiro and Scott Mctominay. Whoever leaves first is likely to be replaced by a new midfielder who could make for an ideal long-term partner for young sensation, Kobbie Mainoo.
Of Manchester United’s existing links, the defensive-minded Ugarte appears to be a better partner for Mainoo as compared to Rabiot. Therefore, a move for the latter may strongly depend on how many players the Reds are able to offload in the ongoing window.