Arsenal and Man Utd snubs forced Rabiot to make 'financial sacrifices'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Sept 2024 16:55 BST
• 3 min read

Adrien Rabiot had his heart set on a Premier League move, but a lack of interest forced him into making 'financial sacrifices' to join Olympique de Marseille, according to French media.

The France star had been in an 'embarrassing situation' according to national team boss Didier Deschamps as he found himself still without a club long after the summer window had closed, which made it impossible for him to be called up for international duty.

The former Juventus midfielder had snubbed a €7 million-per-season contract offer to head to pastures new and speculation was rampant over the summer.

READ MORE: Rabiot's mum 'told' Atletico official where he should play

Ultimately, he has now shocked everybody by agreeing to a move to Roberto de Zerbi's ambitious Olympique de Marseille. Rabiot has completed his medical and will suit up for the biggest rivals of his former club PSG going forward.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Monday that Rabiot - often accused of being 'greedy' - rejected more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey to move back to his native France.

Rabiot wanted Premier League move

However, a return to Ligue 1 was not the 29-year-old's initial priority. On the contrary, according to Romain Molina, the Frenchman had his heart set on a move to the Premier League.

Having spent some time in Man City's academy, Rabiot desperately wanted to experience the Premier League proper, but his dream was not fulfilled.

Romano previously stated that he was offered to Man Utd and Molina echoes this. However, despite tentative interest from the Red Devils and Arsenal, they ultimately moved for different options, signing Manuel Ugarte and Mikel Merino, respectively.

This left Rabiot with a rapidly decreasing number of European options and he was forced into making 'financial sacrifices' in order to join Marseille, something he himself all but confirmed when he stated on Monday that a potential move "seemed unlikely at first."