%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Arsenal: Adrien Rabiot Door Tantalisingly Ajar
Adrien Rabiot has hinted at a possible departure if a bid is made, making Arsenal’s hopes of signing tantalisingly possible.
The central midfield area was thought of as a strength for Arsenal when they entered the season. With investment in Granit Xhaka, the return from injury of Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla and the continued development of Francis Coquelin, Arsene Wenger even allowed Jack Wilshere to leave on a season-long loan.
Related Story: Arsenal: Ideal 2017/18 Starting XI
However, such hopes have been scuppered thanks to a host of different issues. Xhaka has struggled with his discipline, Coquelin has lost his form badly, while Cazorla and Ramsey have missed much of the season through injury.
More from Pain in the Arsenal
- 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
- 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
- 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
- Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
- 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
As such, there has been significant talk that investment will come at the position in the summer. There have been many names linked with a possible move to North London but the most recent has been Paris Saint-Germain’s Adrien Rabiot. In a recent interview, Rabiot stated that he is not in a rush to sign a new deal with the French champions and would consider a bid from a big club:
"“I am under contract until 2019 and I do not think that I am in a rush. Honestly, I am nothing thinking about that. If there are offers from big clubs, that obviously demands that they are considered. Clubs like Real Madrid, they are great clubs but, truly, the most important thing is the present. I am concentrating on what I am doing right now, that is the best thing to do.”"
The comments have led some to suggest that Arsenal could be in line to bid for the central midfielder, and there is reason to be excited. In the four-goal dismantling of Barcelona, Rabiot was instrumental in his team’s excellent performance. Busy and industrious, he showed great energy to harry and harass the Barca midfielders.
More than mere effort, though, Rabiot also offered quality on the ball. His distribution was accurate and forward thinking while he was willing to take on and beat players and drive forward with the ball at his feet.
Next: Arsene Wenger's Best Starting XI
Moreover, at just 21 years of age, his prime is well and truly before him. There is room for development in his talent and his experience, and Arsenal would be wise to invest in his services. Whether a deal is completed or not remains to be seen, but the door is tantalisingly ajar.