Atletico Madrid 'to rival Manchester United for Adrien Rabiot'

Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, with the La Liga giants in competition with Manchester United for the Frenchman.

The 28-year-old was a vital player for the Old Lady during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 48 occasions in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and registering six assists in the process.

Rabiot's deal in Turin is due to expire at the end of June, though, meaning that he will be a free agent this summer unless an agreement with Juventus can be reached.

Man United continue to be heavily linked with the midfielder, and Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag is said to be determined to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.

The 20-time English champions were thought to be on the verge of signing Rabiot last year, only for a move to break down due to the midfielder's excessive wage demands.

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Last month, it was reported that Man United were lining up a contract offer for Rabiot, who left Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2019 to make the move to Turin.

However, according to El Chiringuito, there is also genuine interest from Atletico, with the La Liga giants keen to bring him to Wanda Metropolitano ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The report claims that Diego Simeone's side will find it difficult to match the contract that Man United would be able to place on the table for the midfielder.

However, Atletico are hopeful that Antoine Griezmann could convince his France teammate to make the move to the Spanish capital on a free transfer.

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Rabiot, who penned a four-year deal with Juventus upon his arrival on a free transfer, has scored 17 goals and registered 12 assists in 177 appearances for the Old Lady in all competitions.

The Turin giants have not qualified for next season's Champions League, though, which is believed to have led to the midfielder leaning towards an exit.

Juventus are yet to give up hope of signing Rabiot to a new deal, and according to Calciomercato, the club recently met with Rabiot's mother and agent Veronique Rabiot to discuss the situation.

Atletico head coach Simeone is thought to view midfield as a priority position to improve this summer, as the Red and Whites look to launch a La Liga title challenge next season and make a bigger impression in Europe, having finished bottom of their Champions League section in 2022-23.

Rabiot had been included in the France squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers with Gibraltar and Greece, but he has withdrawn from the selection due to injury.