Man Utd could miss out on Adrien Rabiot again. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are set to miss out on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot for a second time after failing to qualify for the Champions League, according to reports. Rabiot is being linked with an Old Trafford switch for a third successive summer transfer window as he nears the end of his contract in Turin.
The 29-year-old is due to become a free agent next month, sparking a fresh wave of speculation surrounding a potential United move.
In 2022, United reportedly agreed a deal with Juventus to sign Rabiot as an alternative option to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong following an unsuccessful pursuit.
However, the club failed to shake on personal terms with his agent and mother, Veronique, and later signed Casemiro from Real Madrid for £70million.
United were again linked with Rabiot last summer when their £60m swoop for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount looked at risk of breaking down.
But Mount sealed his switch, and Rabiot penned a one-year contract extension at the Allianz Stadium.
The France international played an important role under Massimiliano Allegri this season, making 35 appearances and captaining the side several times.
His future is up in the air again, though, as he approaches free agency amid an expectation that United will address their midfield again this summer.
Adrien Rabiot could stay at Juventus again. (Image: Getty)
However, the Red Devils’ worst-ever Premier League campaign looks to have cost them if their interest in Rabiot materialises.
According to L’Equipe, the Juve midfielder wants to be playing Champions League football next season, something his current club can offer but United can’t.
Erik ten Hag’s side slumped to a record-low eighth-place finish in the Premier League, missing out on European football entirely.
Last Saturday’s FA Cup triumph against Manchester City booked a spot in the Europa League, but that might not be enough to convince Rabiot.
Thiago Motta’s imminent appointment as Allegri’s successor at Juventus will also strengthen the chances of Rabiot staying put.
The £34million-rated star has a strong relationship with Motta, which could result in him committing his future to the Old Lady this summer.
United’s budget for a new midfielder will depend on whether Casemiro leaves as expected amid strong interest from Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old midfielder endured a dismal second season in England and was a late exclusion from Ten Hag’s FA Cup final-winning squad.
Even if Casemiro remains at United, a younger, more athletic midfield partner for 19-year-old prodigy Kobbie Mainoo must be near the top of transfer plans.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1905509/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Adrien-Rabiot-Juventus-gossip