Arsenal have been dealt with a major blow in pursuit of French midfielder Adrien Rabiot as the trusted and reliable Gianluca Di Marzio website quoted French media outlet L’Equipe that Italian side Roma have agreed on a deal to sign the 19 year old. Rabiot’s future at Parc De Princes had earlier come under great speculations as he was unwilling to sign a contract extension, with PSG being fully aware that the wonderkid’s contract would expire next summer in 2015.
Arsenal were reportedly interested with Arsenal also making a phone call to Rabiot’s mother who is also his representative. PSG were earlier holding out for a €25m price tag but they had to lower the amount to around €12-€15m or risk to lose the player on a free next summer. Wenger who has the special linking for an annual French acquisition could have turned his head with a move to the Premier League. However in hindsight would Rabiot have made the grade at north London with Arsenal’s plethora of midfield personnel.
However Roma stepped up their interest at the last moment and have now snatched the player from the Gunners’ grasp. Though the teenager has very little experience, he is rated rated as one of the hottest prospects in French football with many European clubs vying for his signature.
Roma who finished runners up last season are also in the Champions League have now strengthened their squad as manager Rudi Garcia looks to mount a serious Serie A title challenge with his impressive squad. Garcia has the great knack of moulding future talents in French football having earlier worked with Eden Hazard Lucas Digne in Ligue 1 as Lille manager.
Arsenal however shouldn’t be bothered with their failing with Wenger maintaining that he expects more signings before the transfer window slams shut. Arsenal are already in the race for Portuguese sensation William Carvalho however a move for World Cup winner Sami Khedira looks highly unlikely as of now.