Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign soon-to-be free agent Adrien Rabiot, who is also a long-term target for Barcelona.
According to a report by French outlet Telefoot, Barcelona are no longer alone in pursuit of Adrien Rabiot, who is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain, either in January or next summer. The Frenchman, who will become a free agent at the end of the season, is now being tailed by Chelsea as well.
By now, it has become common knowledge that Adrien Rabiot has no future at PSG. The situation has become so grim that Les Parisiens’ sporting director Antero Henrique recently claimed that the player has been indefinitely benched due to the impasse in contract negotiations – Rabiot’s current deal runs out next summer.
Indeed, Rabiot has started just one of the last six games that PSG have played, and none of the last three. Despite his current predicament at Parc des Princes, the Frenchman is one of the most highly rated young midfielders in the world, which is why he is being tailed by Barcelona and Chelsea.
Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in Rabiot, having practically been in his pursuit for around two years now. The Blaugrana did bolster their midfield last summer by signing Arthur and Arturo Vidal, although Vidal is only a stopgap solution.
Additionally, with Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets now in their 30s, the Catalans need to look towards the future, a future with Arthur, Philippe Coutinho and possibly Rabiot comprising a long-term midfield unit. But, Barcelona are not alone in pursuit of the 23-year-old, with Chelsea joining the race to sign him as well.
Chelsea have been one of a bevy of clubs who have been linked with Rabiot on and off. But, with the Frenchman set to be available on the cheap, and possibly for free, the Blues seem to be back in the hunt for him, and for good reason.
Mateo Kovacic has been a fine addition to Maurizio Sarri’s squad. But, the fact that his loan deal does not contain an option to buy means that Chelsea might have to enter the market for a midfielder in the coming windows. But, the Blues will have to move quickly, with Rabiot reportedly in agreement with Barcelona over personal terms.
The report also suggests that Barcelona are close to concluding a deal with the player. But, widespread speculation has claimed that PSG are hoping to sell him to some other club, with Henrique condemning the Blaugrana’s conduct in his pursuit.. Chelsea might thus, have an advantage in the race to sign Rabiot.
If Rabiot manages to run down his contract at PSG, Barcelona are the likeliest club to prevail in his pursuit. Chelsea though, can jump the gun with a January bid, and it remains to be seen if they can manage to land the French international.
