Barcelona Transfer News: Adrien Rabiot Reportedly Eyed for January Completion
Barcelona are reportedly still interested in cutting a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot and are said to be adamant to have things finalised by January 1, 2019.
Luis F. Rojo wrote for Marca that Barcelona are eager to avoid the same delays that saw them miss out on Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann and thus want to get a transfer done by the time the January window opens.
It's no secret Rabiot—who refused a new deal in the summer—has a contract that expires in June 2019, but Barca are desperate to see to it that they win the race for his coveted signature.
Rojo mentioned Juventus as one of the other major parties interested in Rabiot, and they could present a threat to Barca's chances of landing the player either in January or on a free transfer next summer.
Rabiot will be able to discuss a transfer with any team outside Ligue 1 as of January 1, but it appears Barcelona are hopeful of at least getting assurances from the player or his entourage before then.
Liverpool are another potential threat in the market, and ESPN FC's Julien Laurensreported the Reds have taken a big step in that regard and are in contact with Rabiot's mother, Veronique.
Laurens also appeared on The Anfield Wrap and disclosed some information regarding Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's longstanding interest in the player:
""The interest in [Rabiot] from Liverpool since Klopp arrived has always been there."
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) September 6, 2018"
"There's been a lot of positives so far in those contacts."
Subscribe to TAWPlayer to listen to an excellent special with @LaurensJulien on LFC's move for Rabiot https://t.co/q0tg7SFik9 pic.twitter.com/CC62JHqcNU
Barca may also feel threatened by Rabiot's apparent appreciation for Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, another central midfielder he looks to have grown up idolising, per blogger Dave O'Connell:
Insider website Paris United (h/t Sport) reported in August that Rabiot had turned down another offer of a new contract in the French capital, sending the Blaugrana another hint he could be available in 2019.
However, after Barcelona added Arthur Melo and Arturo Vidal to their ranks this summer, sportswriter Andrew Gaffney has wondered whether they even need midfield reinforcements:
With those two present alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, two players who don't look likely to lose their places under Ernesto Valverde anytime soon, one wonders where Rabiot fits.
Nevertheless, La Liga's champions remain hot on the tail of one of the most sought-after up-and-coming talents in Europe, but the road to landing his signature in 2019 isn't an easy one.
