Manchester United are now holding direct talks with Adrien Rabiot and his representatives to discuss a possible summer move from Juventus, reports Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils are desperate to sign a new midfielder after being unable to secure the services of Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United Hold Talks With Adrien Rabiot
🚨 Manchester United have agreed a fee in principle with Juventus for Adrien Rabiot but have to enter talks over personal terms with the player's agent – his mother. 🇫🇷
(Source: MEN) pic.twitter.com/EKN4zB9OGT
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 8, 2022
Possible Issue on Rabiot’s Side
Romano adds that there is a direct conversation between United as well as the Italian side over a possible move. Juventus are willing to let go of the French midfielder having signed former United midfielder Paul Pogba to strengthen their midfield line this season.
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It’s claimed that discussion over a move started last week. The Red Devils are now talking to Rabiot to understand his plans about the future as well as possible ideas on how he’d like to be integrated into Erik ten Hag’s side. Right now, the potential stumbling block over a deal lies on the player’s side itself.
Rabiot’s Controversial Playing Career
The 27-year-old midfielder has not been a stranger to controversy in his career. Rabiot’s agent, his own mother, Veronique, has become infamous in France for her attitude and blind nature in defending her son’s actions.
Last year after France’s elimination from Euro 2020, Veronique got involved in an alleged bust-up with Kylian Mbappe’s and Paul Pogba’s parents in the stands, where she openly criticized the two players’ performance on the pitch and hit out at the parents as well.
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Back in 2014, Veronique also confronted then Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc in the car park of the club’s training facility where she berated him for relegating her son to the reserve team. The French side had to call security to calm the situation. United seem to be finding it difficult to deal with the Frenchman’s agent due to her demands.
Rabiot has played for PSG, Juventus and Toulouse in his career. He’s made 369 appearances across his club career, scoring 31 goals and providing 23 assists – as well as being called ‘a complete player‘ by ex-Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo.
But the 27-year-old’s notorious mother and his own nature mean United might be taking a big risk in roping him in to fix their midfield issues.
