European giants challenge Man Utd for free transfer bargain

Carlo Garganese

11 Jun 2024 02:50 CDT
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

AC Milan have entered the race to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer in a blow to Man Utd’s hopes of signing the France star.

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MilanNews.it reports that Milan transfer chief Geoffrey Moncada has contacted Rabiot’s entourage ahead of making a potential offer for Rabiot.

Rabiot’s contract at Juventus expires at the end of the month, and the Bianconeri are running out of time to prolong his time at the club.

It had appeared in recent weeks as if Rabiot was edging closer to a new two-year contract with Juventus, despite heavy interest from Man Utd.

However, negotiations have failed to make significant headway, although Juventus are Rabiot’s mother/agent Veronique are still in discussions.

Milan are now keen to potentially sign Rabiot as the Rossoneri have made a new midfielder one of their priorities this summer.

This news will come as a blow to Man Utd, who have been in the lead once again to sign Rabiot on a free transfer this summer - if he were to leave Juventus.

Rabiot to reject Man Utd again?

This is the second year in a row that Rabiot’s contract has been due to expire, with Rabiot extending his deal just days before it was set to run out at the end of June last year.

United had been in discussions with Veronique Rabiot last summer about signing Rabiot.

The chances of Rabiot staying at Juventus appeared to be slim as the days ticked down to his June 30 contract expiry.

But the midfielder chose to stay in the end.

It was the second time in a year that he had rejected United.

It is widely understood that Juventus and Man Utd agreed on a transfer fee worth €18m plus €6m in add-ons in the summer of 2022.

But United were unable to agree personal terms with Rabiot, with Veronique again blamed for excessive demands. United then signed Casemiro instead.

United have now been working on a third attempt to sign Rabiot this summer.

But could they now risk missing out on Rabiot for a third year in a row?

Rabiot, 29, joined Juventus on a free transfer from PSG in 2019. He has made over 200 appearances for the club, winning one Scudetto.

He had the best season of his career last term with 11 goals in all competitions. He has not been as impressive this past season with five goals.