Newcastle United 'join Arsenal and Man Utd' in race to sign top class free agent and former World Cup finalist

Newcastle United, Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to battle it out to secure the signature of French international Adrien Rabiot this summer.

The 29-year-old is currently a free agent after his excellent five-year stint with Italian giants Juventus came to an end in June.

The 48-time France international joined the Old Lady from French heavyweight Paris Saint Germain in 2019 and made a total of 227 appearances during his time in Turin as he lifted one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies and one SuperCoppa Italiana. 

Rabiot was also recently part of the France team which reached the semi-final of Euro 2024 and the group which progressed to the final of the World Cup in 2022 before falling short against Argentina in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Italian outlet Calciomercato understands that Newcastle are huge admirers of Rabiot due to his experience competing at the highest level. 

The Frenchman specialises in playing as a deep-lying playmaker in front of the back four and his arrival would allow the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Joe Willock the freedom to attack further up the pitch. It would also provide further protection to a defence which conceded a disappointing 62 goals in 38 games last term, almost double the figure they had conceded in 2022/23.

Calciomercato understands that Newcastle have recently stolen a march on competition for Rabiot’s signature by making contact with the player’s representatives first as they aim to strike a deal in the near future.

Nufc Feed, however, understands that the player’s £240,000 a week wage demands could be a stumbling block in the deal. It is also not yet clear if the player is interested a move to the North East due to interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United, who would be able to offer the midfielder the chance to play European football again next term.

As it stands, Newcastle’s main focus remains strengthening the centre back area and adding a right sided winger to the team. Newcastle were recently thwarted by Crystal Palace with an opening bid for Marc Guehi but are expected to return to the table with an improved offer.

Noni Madueke and Jarrod Bowen have been mentioned as potential right winger options, but at this stage no transfer bid has officially been submitted.