Arsenal offer defender in €15m swap battle with Man Utd for Juventus star
Arsenal are reportedly targeting Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and are ready to offer a player in a straight swap deal.
The Gunners have already signed another midfielder in Fabio Vieira this summer, with the ex-Porto star joining for £34m earlier this week.
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Brazilian youngster Marquinhos has also arrived from Sao Paulo, while American goalkeeper Matt Turner is expected to be formally announced in the coming days.
And according to CalcioMercatoWeb (via Mirror), Mikel Arteta is also keen on Rabiot, who is out of contract with the Old Lady at the end of next season.
That’s thought to indicate the Serie A side would be willing to listen to offers for the former Paris Saint-Germain star to avoid losing him for free in 12 months time.
Juventus are said to have set a price tag of €15m for the midfielder who joined them on a free transfer in the summer of 2019.
The report claims Arsenal are willing to offer Hector Bellerin in a straight swap for the 27-year-old, who is not expected to return to the Emirates after a successful loan spell with Real Betis last term.
But a report last week suggests Arsenal will face competition in their bid to sign Rabiot, with Mancester United said to have taken ‘concrete steps’ to land the Frenchman.
The fee is ‘not a problem’ for United, but it’s claimed that it ‘is not so simple’ to attract Rabiot to United.
Meanwhile, new signing Vieira will wear the number 21 shirt in north London, with his arrival welcomed by manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu.
“I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent,” boss Arteta said.
“Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play.
“We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season.”
Technical director Edu added: “We’re so pleased to have completed the signing of Fabio from FC Porto.
“Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch.
“We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal.
“We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible.”