Liverpool risk repeating Arthur Melo mistake while rivalling Man Utd, Arsenal for improving but demanding midfielder

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all contenders for the 2023 signing of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports in Italy.

Rabiot was a major target for Manchester United during the summer transfer window until the deal collapsed. He therefore entered the final season of his contract with Juventus.

Since joining the Serie A side from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, Rabiot has played regularly but has struggled to win over some of his doubters. Hence, his time with Juventus has seemed to be approaching its end.

However, a report from Tutto Juve has described how his form has been better in the formative weeks of the new season. Juventus as a whole are out of sorts somewhat, but Rabiot has been getting back up to speed again.

For example, he scored his first two goals of the season in Wednesday’s win over Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League. After drawing a blank from 45 appearances in all competitions last season, it was long awaited.

A lack of goalscoring impact was one of the doubts some had about his suitability for Manchester United. But now, he is becoming of interest to the Red Devils again.

According to Tutto Juve, the France international is now a target for Manchester United once more. In addition, Liverpool and Arsenal are showing an interest.

What’s more, the chances of Rabiot staying at Juventus are looking slim. He would be asking for a salary of €10million per season, which equates to around £170,000 per week.

It is a figure that Juventus are not able to stretch to. Hence, they may have difficulty in negotiations with his representatives.

In turn, the report from Tutto Juve predicts that the Premier League is where Rabiot is most likely to end up. It seems to be a three-horse race for the 27-year-old.

Adrien Rabiot a risky target but suitors still circling

Liverpool should be wary of going after Rabiot after their most recent midfield signing. They dealt with Juventus on deadline day to bring in Arthur Melo on loan.

In reality, there were plenty of better options they should have considered. Arthur has struggled to make an impact at Anfield so far. There have even been claims of them terminating his loan early.

Liverpool are now looking elsewhere and will want to settle on the right option. Jude Bellingham might be the dream, but also might be one of the hardest to attain.

Perhaps that is why Rabiot may have come into consideration. But just like Arthur, his inconsistent form with Juventus would make him a risky choice.

Would he fit in better at Manchester United or Arsenal? Once again, it would be debatable.

Both have been linked with him in the past, Manchester United most recently. There are still potential gaps to fill in each midfield.

But if Manchester United abandoned the idea of signing him in the summer, has enough changed for them to revert to the old plan?

Rabiot might just need a fresh challenge, which a Premier League transfer would provide. But his adaptation from French football to the Italian variety did not go so smoothly. Would a transition to English football work?

In some cases, it can. Former teammate Rodrigo Bentancur, for example, has gained better reviews with Tottenham Hotspur than he did with Juventus.

However, Arthur has provided a differing example. Rabiot would have his work cut out for him to win over his doubters if he did become a Premier League player.

The prospect of taking him for free in 2023, though, seems to be lingering in a few clubs’ minds.

READ MORE: Liverpool ‘disappointed’ by summer signing as Klopp eyes major upgrade to rectify mistake ‘as soon as possible’