Manchester United have been in discussions with Adrien Rabiot’s representatives this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel, Romano said that the Frenchman would be “super keen” on a move to the Premier League after leaving Juventus on a free transfer. However, United’s pursuit of PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and Rabiot’s high salary make a deal unlikely at this stage:
“Rabiot, at the moment, is a player, they discussed with his manager/agent several times already, a year ago, and also this summer. They were offered the possibility of getting Adrien Rabiot but, at the moment, I’m not aware of anything really advanced on this one. I know the focus for Manchester United is on something else…”
“Rabiot is asking for a really important salary… €7m net per season for four years at Juventus so he wants more than this, and there is obviously a signing fee when you sign a free agent. So, yeah, he is a free agent but he is an expensive free agent so that’s why Manchester United know that there is a possibility.”
“The player would be super keen on playing in the Premier League. It’s his dream to be a Premier League player one day so let’s see what happens but, at this point, it’s still not something I’m told that is not close or imminent but, with Rabiot, really anything could happen.”
Rabiot could still end up in England if he doesn’t join United
Reports in the Italian media at the end of last week suggested that Arsenal were a more likely destination for the player, while the likes of Liverpool are also weighing up an offer.
However, Rabiot’s wages will be a big stumbling block for most teams. €7m a year net works out at about £9.3m a year before tax in the UK, which is £179,000 a week. As Romano says, he wants more than that, so it’s likely that a salary above £200,000 a week will be needed to secure his services.
