Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the race to sign Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.
Tottenham Hotspur’s desire to bring in a new midfielder this summer has been no secret.
A fifth place finish last season and Europa League qualification means Tottenham will be fighting on multiple fronts next season, as they look to end their trophy drought.
In light of the busy schedule, Ange Postecoglou is reportedly looking to freshen up his midfield with new faces – according to The Times.
Names such as Connor Gallagher and Eberechi Eze have been regularly touted in the press, but no deal has been struck for either just yet.
With fees of £50-£60 million being reported, Spurs may be tempted to look elsewhere for a more cheaper option in midfield.
Spurs pushing for Adrien Rabiot
Reports from Corriere Dello Sport, state that Tottenham are one of three English clubs “in the lead” to sign Rabiot.
Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal are all said to be monitoring the midfielder’s situation, with 29-year-old’s deal at Juventus set to expire within the next 48 hours, making him an attractive proposition as a free transfer.
Juventus are reportedly keen on keeping the Frenchman, but have failed to reach an agreement with Rabiot’s party so far – potentially opening the door for Tottenham to make an offer.
How could Rabiot fit in at Spurs?
Tottenham’s midfield has undergone huge surgery over the past few years and this summer will likely be no different.
Tanguy Ndombele’s contract exit and the likely departures of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovanni Lo Celso, mean Spurs will need to bring in midfield reinforcements this window.
Eight goal contributions this season (five goals and three assists), suggests Rabiot could provide the Spurs midfield with more of a goal threat, something the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma currently don’t provide.
Mainly deployed as a number eight but also able to play as a six, the former PSG man is one of the best midfielders in Europe when it comes to progressing the ball forward, shown by his 2.44 progressive carries per 90 (stats from FBref).
Rabiot’s ball carrying ability matched with his top-level experience makes potential him smart pickup by Spurs, however a move for a younger midfielder like Gallagher or Eze seems more likely.