Paris Saint-Germain’s teenage midfielder Adrien Rabiot hinted that he may move away from AS Roma in January after admitting that he will wait till the winter transfer window before deciding his future. The 19-year old’s current contract expires in June 2015 which could also mean that he will be offloaded in the January transfer window. The player is heavily linked with Arsenal and his mom who is also his agent has the power to make or break any possible move to Emirates.
When Rabiot learned of Roma’s interest, he seemed excited and wanted to be a part of Rudi Garcia’s project. Rabiot said, “Roma are a great club, their project is enticing and they are in the Champions League.
However, he did reveal that he wants to wait until January to check the offers before deciding his next destination. And it looks like Rabiot’s mother has a major say in his future , “Now we’ll have to wait until January and see what to do. I chose my mother as my agent as she gives me good advice.”
Rabiot is predominantly a central midfield player who is very versatile. He can be used as a holding midfielder, or an attacking midfielder. Arsene Wenger’s team are a bit lightweight when it comes to the central midfield position as Mikel Arteta has been sidelined and Mathieu Flamini hasn’t been impressive in that position. Arsenal were being linked with Sami Khedira in the summer but his wages were an obstacle.
Rabiot’s signature could solve the problem as he is young, dynamic and fits the bill at Arsenal,that is if they do manage to sign him. However, the signature of another inexperienced player will not go down well with the fans who want Wenger to break the bank in January after a poor start in the new season.
According to a scout report from outsideoftheboot,
“Rabiot is capable in playing anywhere in the midfield, from the holding role to a more box to box attacking role. He can be likened to compatriot Paul Pogba, without the bulky physique. He can smoothly shift from the back to the front during the course of the match and also acts as the engine room for the team when he gets enough time in a match.” “Rabiot’s biggest strength is his positioning and his control on the ball. His tactical awareness makes him a threat at a tender age of 19.”
So if Arsenal manage to sign this less bulky Pual Pogba type player, he will add great depth and versatility to Arsenal midfield.
Khedira still an option
Sami Khedira could still end up joining Arsenal as it’s up to him to decide whether he wants to sign a contract extension with Real Madrid or not. Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed, “We have until June to reach an agreement with him. If he wants to sign an extension, the club will renew him. If not, he will leave the team at the end of the season.”
Khedira will be a free agent next year which could open the door for Arsenal to pay his exorbitant wages if they manage to sign him for no fee at all.