Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Adrien Rabiot Puts Himself On The Map

Adrien Rabiot was excellent in Paris Saint-Germain’s demolition of Barcelona on Tuesday, putting himself front and centre of Arsenal’s transfer map.

The recent struggles that Arsenal have had, in particular with dealing with a high-pressing opposition who suffocated the deep-lying midfielders and in unpicking the more disciplined defences like against Watford and Chelsea in a week that all but ended the Gunners’ title challenge.

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With Santi Cazorla ageing, Aaron Ramsey again struggling with injuries and Mohamed Elneny short of the quality needed to ever lead a team to a title, we could well see Arsene Wenger invest in the position once again this summer.

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One man who has long been linked with a move to the Emirates is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The now 21-year-old is the stereotypical Wenger addition and has become disillusioned with the lack of playing time that he is finding in the French capital. In a recent interview, the midfielder expressed a desire to delay contract talks, sighting his happiness to play under a deal that still has more than two seasons to run:

"“Very honestly, I do not want to think about that. I am under contract until 2019, it is not urgent. I would prefer to stay concentrated on football. We will have to talk about this again at the end of the season. The club is aware. They are trying to protect themselves, extend as many players as possible and I understand that. I know that they are counting on me a lot, that I am one of the young players that could form the core for the future.”"

With Thiago Motta suspended for PSG’s Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday night, Rabiot entered the fray, up against the formidable Barca midfield of Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta. He was utterly phenomenal.

Strong and industrious defensively, the central midfielder broke up play on numerous occasions before showing calmness and composure to maintain possession before looking forward with a pass. His distribution was excellent throughout, he showed great energy and athleticism and dominated much of the game alongside Marco Verratti.

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The Frenchman would settle into the Arsenal lineup wonderfully and is blessed with the physical tools to handle the intensity of the Premier League. With such natural gifts, all at the age of 21, Rabiot has put himself front and centre of the transfer map.