Strategy repeats as Arsenal eye Juventus misfit Arteta is ready to revive

Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the frustrations of Adrien Rabiot at Juventus by planning for a January transfer, according to a report.

Rabiot ran down his contract with Paris Saint-Germain in controversial fashion before leaving them in 2019. He signed for Juventus on a free transfer, but much like ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who made a similar move at the same time, things haven’t quite gone to plan.

Midfield remains a problematic area for Juve after the likes of Rabiot and Ramsey struggled. They signed Manuel Locatelli in the summer and are still in the process of evolving that area of their team. In the process, some of their fringe men are likely to leave.

Ramsey seems ready for a Premier League return, although Arsenal do not seem to be in the running. Instead, they could be eyeing the opportunity of giving Rabiot his first taste of English football.

According to Fichajes, the Gunners would like to sign the Frenchman in 2022. Mikel Arteta is hoping for a deal in the summer, but those plans could be brought forward to January.

Midfield is currently an area of concern for Arsenal as well. Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are both seeking winter exits, Granit Xhaka is injured potentially until the New Year, by which point Thomas Partey will be preparing to head off on African Cup of Nations duty.

More options are required and Fichajes claim Arteta has faith that Rabiot could revive his career at the Emirates Stadium.

The report points to the Gunners’ record of taking on players who have fallen to the fringes at other clubs. The addition of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid was one example.

Now, there is apparently a belief that Rabiot could be energised with a change of scenery. And with a contract expiring in 2023, it is something that could cross his mind soon.

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In fact, Fichajes claim he already has “a foot and a half” out of the exit door from Juventus’ Allianz Stadium. Despite starting five Serie A games so far this season, he is ready to push for an exit – not for the first time in his career.

Arsenal could make him feel “important” again, according to the report, even if they are currently lacking European football.

At the age of 26, the important thing is for the 22-cap international to get regular gametime. If Juventus sign someone with a view to phasing him out, or fail to agree over a new contract, a transfer could be likely.

In that event, Arsenal would seemingly be willing to take advantage.

Rabiot also a Newcastle target

The report follows recent claims that Newcastle United could make their own move for Rabiot.

Fresh from their takeover, there are rising expectations about Newcastle’s ability in the January transfer window.

Despite their current lowly position, their new long-term aims and financial power could attract some big names.

For now, they may have to settle for out-of-favour players, as Rabiot could be. According to Calciomercato, he is a genuine contender to be the first signing of their new era.

In making such a move, he would trade one black-and-white kit for another.

His wages of €7m per season would be a relief for Juventus to get off the books, while Newcastle would now be able to accommodate them.

But it seems they now face competition from Arsenal, which would give him an interesting decision to make.

As things stand, he remains a Juventus player unless anyone bids in the New Year.

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