Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Adrien Rabiot to Arsenal: Who is the PSG midfielder linked with a January transfer to the Gunners?

We take a closer look at the Frenchman being linked with a move to the Emirates this month 

Simon Rice
Sunday 03 January 2016 14:42 GMT
Comments
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot is being linked with a January transfer to Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger recently indicated that the club, currently top of the Premier League, could look to sign two players during the current window. With Mohamed Elneny on the verge of completing a move, it's thought that Rabiot could be the other.

The reason the midfielder is being linked stems largely from his public declaration that he would like to leave his current club, PSG, on loan due to his frustration at not being a regular starter. The club have since suggested he won't be allowed to move, but with manager Laurent Blanc recently admitting he was "annoyed" at the 20-year-old and Rabiot eager for game time as he pushes for a place in France's Euro 2016 squad, a transfer could still be in the offing.

So what would Arsenal be getting if Rabiot were to join?

The midfielder players in a central position, with his focus on defensive work and starting moves going forward. The left-footed player is an excellent passer of the ball, with a preference for giving his team-mates short simple balls. That's reflected in a pass success rate of over 90 per cent this season. However, Rabiot has an eye for a throughball, meaning he has something to offer further forward.

Goals though are not his forte. He scored three in his breakthrough season at PSG in 2013/14, four the following season and has just one to his name this term.

Adrien Rabiot

Rabiot's tall, lean frame and his proficiency at breaking up play and putting in a strong tackle will lead to not unfair comparisons with Patrick Vieira. That he tends to make a lot of fouls will only strengthen the comparisons to the former Arsenal captain.

Due to his age, it's not unsurprising that his concentration levels can at times let him down.

What to expect from Arsenal this transfer window

His entire senior career has been spent as PSG, although he did go out on loan to Toulouse during the 2012/13 season. He signed a new contract in October 2014 which has him tied to the club until the summer of 2019 - putting the French champions in a strong position in any transfer negotiations.

On the international stage, Rabiot is keen to be included in France's squad when they host Euro 2016. However he's yet to actually play for the senior side, although has played 11 times for the Under-21s.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in