Transfer Rumour: Chelsea join Liverpool in Adrien Rabiot pursuit

PSG contract rebel Adrien Rabiot has another high profile suitor tailing him, with Chelsea reportedly joining Liverpool in the race to sign him.

According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have set their sights on Adrien Rabiot, who faces an uncertain future at PSG. Liverpool are also interested in signing the French international, who now has a number of prominent clubs in his pursuit.

Rabiot has evolved into one of the most complete midfielders in the world, since breaking into the first-team setup at PSG in 2012. However, while he has enjoyed a fruitful stint with Les Parisiens over the last half-a-decade or so, the player’s future at Parc des Princes is up in the air.

PSG are eager to tie Rabiot down to a new long-term deal, with his current contract set to run out at the end of the season. The 23-year-old though, is at loggerheads with the French champions, which has alerted a number of clubs to the possibility of snapping him, Chelsea and Liverpool being among them.

A man in demand. (Photo courtesy - Christophe Archambault/AFP/Getty Images)
A man in demand. (Photo courtesy – Christophe Archambault/AFP/Getty Images)

At Chelsea, things seem to be picking up under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri, with midfield in particular looking in solid shape. Summer signings Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are visibly making the difference for the Blues, but the latter is only at Stamford Bridge for the 2017-18 season, with the Blues not having an obligation to buy him.

With no guarantees as to whether Kovacic’s move will become a permanent one, Rabiot is a viable and cheaper alternative to the Croat, who would be the perfect compliment to N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. But, Chelsea also face stiff competition in the form of Liverpool.

The interest from Liverpool comes as a bit of a surprise though, with Jurgen Klopp’s squad well stocked in midfield options. But, Rabiot’s addition could perhaps, pave the way for James Milner being phased out slowly, considering the veteran midfielder is in the twilight years of his career.

Rabiot’s departure on a Bosman is still not a foregone conclusion, with Thomas Tuchel pushing for PSG to somehow tie him down to a new deal. Additionally, Chelsea and Liverpool will surely not be alone in pursuit of the 23-year-old, with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester City also among those who have him in their sights.

The Frenchman has the biggest decision of his life to make in the weeks and months to come. The emergence of Chelsea as a suitor is only the start, and one can expect several other clubs to join the Blues and Liverpool in the race to sign Adrien Rabiot over the course of the season. In the end, his decision will likely come down to slim margins.

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