Transfer News: Chelsea battle Newcastle United for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot
According to the French news outlet Jeunes Footeux (h/t ChronicleLive), Chelsea will face off against Newcastle United in the race to secure the services of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the summer transfer window. He has had a difficult time this season following the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri despite receiving regular game time.
The Turin giants have seen a massive decline under the reins of Andrea Pirlo, having lost their dominance in Italian football. They have improved recently since the turn of the year but are expected to have a massive overhaul at the end of this campaign. Rabiot is set to lead the clear out, paving the way for a summer exit.
The Blues have been linked with a move to sign the 26-year-old, with Newcastle being touted as a potential destination. The Serie A club’s stance over the central midfielder could give the Premier League duo the incentives to push ahead for a transfer next summer.
Do we need Rabiot?
The Frenchman has failed to reach the same level that he had shown during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. He has done well under Pirlo but has found it challenging to adapt to Allegri’s style of play. Perhaps, that could explain why the Bianconeri are looking to part ways with the midfielder.
The Serie A star has been solid despite failing to meet his expectations. That being said, we really do not need his services, considering the number of options we already have in midfield. Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek provide a healthy depth alongside sufficient quality in the centre of the pitch.
Saul Niguez would probably return to Atletico Madrid since the £30million buy option is too expensive for a squad player. He has done well, but it would not be wise to spend that much, especially on a player who is far from a reliable performer. The presence of Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour also adds to the equation.
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Then again, one could argue that securing Rabiot could prove to be a smart investment. Ross Barkley could also be on his way out while Kante and Jorginho have entered the twilight of their playing careers.
We would eventually need to replace them, and it remains to be seen if Tuchel can get the best out of Rabiot. Having done so once at Paris Saint-Germain, it might not prove to be a bridge too far for the German tactician.