Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are in the hunt to sign Adrien Rabiot next summer - but the France international has already expressed a desire to play in the Premier League.
Rabiot, 27, is set to be one of the most in-demand players in Europe when his Juventus contract expires in June. It seems unlikely the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder will agree to an extension in Turin, with Manchester United interested in signing him.
It's believed Rabiot is keen on a move to Barcelona, while Atletico are also after his signature. Yet his comments made at the World Cup would suggest a Premier League move is more likely. Rabiot is set to play in Sunday's final against Argentina at the Lusail Stadium.
Speaking ahead of France's quarter-final victory against England, Rabiot expressed his interest in joining a Premier League club in the summer. He spent time in Manchester City's academy as a youth star before returning to France to break into PSG's first team.
"It was very good experience," said Rabiot when asked about his time in England. "I didn’t do a whole season, though. Everything went well while I was there.
"I really liked the atmosphere. It’s really something that is only in England. It’s different from France and Italy. I have always said that I’d like to play in England in my career. I still have that desire. I’d like to evolve in the Premier League."
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Erik ten Hag's side are the favourites to sign Rabiot after coming close to securing his services during the previous transfer window. They were thwarted by the excessive wage demands set by his mother Veronique, who also acts as his primary representative.
It's believed United are still interested in Rabiot and could offer him a bigger wage if there is no transfer fee involved next summer. There's a chance some other so-called "Big Six" clubs - plus mega-rich Newcastle - could be interested in the player come June.
If a Premier League club doesn't agree terms with Rabiot, Barcelona and Atletico are poised to make a move. As reported by Forbes, the midfielder is interested in a move to Barcelona and came close to joining the club instead of Juventus in July 2019.
Barcelona are still thought to be keen on Rabiot. According to Calciomercato, Atletico are also in the race for his signature. The Juventus star has reminded everyone of his ability with a series of impressive performances at the ongoing World Cup.
Rabiot famously refused to be on a standby list for the 2018 World Cup in Russia but fought his way back into the side ahead of the tournament in Qatar. He started the crucial wins against Australia, Denmark, Poland and England to help France reach the final.
Rabiot missed the semi-final win against Morocco due to illness but is expected to be involved in Sunday's big game. He is almost certain to start if fully fit.
