Paul Pogba's decision to join Juventus could pave the way for Chelsea to secure a move for Adrien Rabiot.
The midfielder left Manchester United at the end of the season and is now a free agent as he weighs up his options. Juve have emerged as the favourites to secure his signature as the playmaker looks set to make his return to Turin.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Massimiliano Allegri's side are on the brink of resigning the midfielder, who has been offered a three-year deal worth around £10million-a-season. The report adds that Juventus are confident of getting a deal over the finish line, which could be officially announced this week and would leave Allegri with as many as six midfielders at his disposal next season.
Rabiot is one who is surplus to requirements and Corriere dello Sport claim that Chelsea are leading the race to sign the Frenchman this summer. The 27-year-old, who sees his contract with the Turin-based side expire next summer, could be available for as little as £13million.
Newcastle and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Rabiot, but his agent is leaving the door open to a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Pogba's arrival at Juve would certainly accelerate the Old Lady's need to trim their bloated midfield which would help Chelsea in their pursuit of Rabiot as it seems likely that he will be the first one to go.
Pogba and Rabiot, who are international teammates, coincidentally have some history with one another after a heated altercation when France crashed out of Euro 2020 against Switzerland last summer. Pogba had scored a fine goal to put his side 3-1 up against the Swiss, only for goals from Haris Seferovic and Mario Gavranovic to drag the game to extra-time.
Switzerland eventually emerged as winners on penalties but it was an incident between Pogba and Rabiot that was a big talking point after the game as Raphael Varane had to separate the pair after a coming together following Switzerland's second goal.
Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit was unimpressed with what he saw and said Pogba had "lost the plot" during the incident as the players "fought among themselves." Now, Pogba's move to Juventus could see Rabiot moved on and forced to pursue a fresh challenge at club level.
Todd Boehly completed the takeover of Chelsea last week but the uncertainty surrounding their ownership has put them at a disadvantage as the West Londoners have been unable to meet with agents, free agents or talk to clubs. Tuchel admitted that it’ was a frustrating time for the Blues as they haven't been able to go full steam ahead on the recruitment front.
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He said: “You can always end up in a situation where players at the end of the season can have talks with other clubs, have different ideas and maybe get distracted because they sign for other teams. It happens. t’s a bit easier if you are also free to act and be more involved in the talks. Now it feels like we are spectators of the development, we don’t like. It’s a passive role and a bit strange. You can feel it.
“We have already discussed now a lot of points (for struggles), if you bring these together maybe it can provide an explanation as to why the edge in our game is missing. Still, I can just repeat myself. It is not the moment to point fingers on the players and to be too harsh and demanding.
“It’s, yes demanding, but not overdo it. We trust ourselves. Everybody in the building and who arrives tomorrow wants to finish on a positive spin. There is still a lot to achieve."
