Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'use Champions League draw to discuss move' for PSG teenager Adrien Rabiot

Young Frenchman has just a year remaining on his deal

Tom Sheen
Friday 29 August 2014 13:38 BST
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PSG's Adrien Rabiot has been targeted by Arsenal
PSG's Adrien Rabiot has been targeted by Arsenal

Arsenal took advantage of the Champions League draw to make a move for highly-rated Paris Saint-Germain teenager Adrien Rabiot.

According to a report in French newspaper L'Equipe, the Gunners met with PSG chiefs to discuss a deal for the 19-year-old midfielder.

Rabiot, standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, is a hugely exciting prospect and has already been capped at France Under-21 level.

With just a year left on his current deal, PSG don't mind allowing the midfielder to leave now for between £8-10million. Arsenal are said to lead the race for Rabiot ahead of rivals Tottenham and Italian club Roma.

Despite his young years Rabiot made 31 appearances for PSG last season, though the majority of those came from the bench.

He is known for his ability to drive from midfield and good passing, as well as being strong in the tackle. Comparisons to Patrick Vieira are inevitable.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his team would be "actively involved" in the rest of the window but didn't mention Rabiot.

"All [transfer negotiations] need to be as secret as possible," said Wenger, speaking at his Friday press conference ahead of the match with Leicester.

"I will actively be involved on deadline day. I will be on alert until the last minute."

Wenger also said he may not buy cover for injured striker Olivier Giroud, out until at least December with an ankle injury, pointing to the players he already had.

"We have Yaya Sanogo, we have Alexis Sanchez, we have Theo Walcott, we have Lukas Podolski," he added.

"We have shown in the last two seasons that if there are [players to buy], we will do it.

"The last few days [of the transfer window] are like poker games."

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