Arsenal ‘in pole position’ to sign Euro 2024 France star on free transfer

Arsenal are in ‘pole position’ to sign Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer, according to reports in Italy.

The 29-year-old is now a free agent this summer after his contract with Juventus expired.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United during several transfer windows and is now available after his five-year stint with Juventus ended in June.

According to Italian newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal are one of the three frontrunners who are in the race to sign Rabiot.

The report claims that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also interested in Rabiot, who made five appearances for France at Euro 2024, while AC Milan have considered a move but are prioritising a move for Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

Rabiot is represented by his mother, Veronique, and she claims that her son is attracting interest from more than one side.

‘It’s true, I’m talking to some clubs,’ Veronique Rabiot told Gazzetta dello Sport.

‘And I’m the only contact. In fact, I am talking to certain clubs but then some media attribute to me contacts with other teams that I do not speak to. So I suppose that other people speak for me.

‘But since the beginning of Adrien’s career I have been the only interlocutor with the clubs, and if a club has any interest they must speak directly to me.’

In a post on Instagram this week, Rabiot confirmed that he is leaving Juventus.

‘After five seasons at Juventus, five years in Turin, I want to say goodbye and thank you,’ the midfielder wrote.

‘All of you who have been there for me. The club and all its staff. And you fans, always close and very affectionate!’

Arsenal, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed a €30 million (£25.3m) deal with Real Sociedad for their Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

It’s understood that the 28-year-old, who was also wanted by Barcelona, has spoken with Mikel Arteta and agreed to join the Gunners this summer.

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