JUVENTUS will block Arsenal’s January move for midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.
The Gunners were eyeing a loan deal with a view to a permanent move for the defensive midfielder to replace the departing Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal may need to turn their attentions elsewhere from RabiotCredit: Getty – Contributor
Unsettled Xhaka is closing in on a move back to Germany with his transfer to Hertha Berlin set to be sealed next week.
New boss Mikel Arteta is hoping for a swift replacement to fill his boots and wants a defensive player who can break up the play in front of the back four.
But they may need to turn their attentions elsewhere with Rabiot set to stay in Turin.
A free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Rabiot has struggled for game time under Maurizio Sarri.
He has made just five league starts although three of those have come in their last three matches before the winter break.
According to Sport Mediaset, Sarri is determined to keep him as a squad player despite Juventus boasting a congested midfield.
The former Chelsea boss would rather offload ex-Liverpool man Emre Can who is deemed surplus to requirements at the Serie A champions.
Can was left furious after being left out of the Champions League squad.
He was originally linked with PSG and Bayern Munich before Barca were said to be keen on a deadline day swap deal with Ivan Rakitic.
And only last month Man Utd were reportedly planning a double swoop on the Serie A champions to include Can after a deal for Mario Mandzukic had reportedly already been agreed.
Granit Xhaka’s agent confirms midfielder ‘wants Arsenal exit’ and has agreed Hertha Berlin transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
