Chelsea identify wantaway Juventus star as Saul replacement

Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea may pursue a previously explored avenue in their search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Adrien Rabiot and Premier League-leaning transfer speculation are synonymous with each other at this point and this window appears to be no exception.

Rabiot has endured a difficult patch of late, with his form paralleling that of his club side Juventus. The Bianconeri finished fourth for the second consecutive season in 2021/22, nine points adrift of Napoli in third and 16 off champions-elect AC Milan.

Despite receiving criticism for the standard of his performances, Rabiot played a prominent role under manager Massimiliano Allegri – starting 28 in 32 appearances.

That being said, the France international’s future at the Allianz Stadium appears bleak amid reports he is among a contingent set to be outcast this summer.

Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Rabiot, 27, had been included in Juventus’ transfer list – the club open to offers for the player they signed on a free transfer in 2019.

Premier League clubs again look to Serie A?

Previously of PSG before emigrating to Italy, he did so in search of a senior role. Notwithstanding being afforded it, Rabiot is thought to reciprocate his employer’s line of thought.

His current deal runs out in 2023 and negotiations for an extension broke down after being notified of a pay cut due to the precarity of Juventus’ financial predicament.

The midfielder is currently earning €7m net + bonuses and if he is looking to match or even improve on that figure, staying in Turin doesn’t appear an option.

Premier League clubs taking advantage of their Serie A counterparts’ economic hardship is becoming a pattern with Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea among those who have already registered interest in Rabiot.

Chelsea to replace Saul Niguez with Adrien Rabiot?

Chelsea, or more specifically Thomas Tuchel appears to have previous with Adrien Rabiot.

The German manager was open to the idea of signing him in January, but a move was blocked by loanee Saul Niguez’s failure to leave, Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport report – quoted by Sport Witness.

Niguez has now returned to parent club Atletico Madrid after an uninspiring spell at Stamford Bridge which saw him make just five starts in the Premier League.

While Rabiot is of a different make-up to the Spaniard, they are both most familiar with the ‘8’ role which owes to well-rounded midfield players.

Perhaps attributed to his current side’s pragmatic approach, Rabiot’s influence has moved away from an attacking sense to a focus on defensive responsibilities.

Tuchel’s 3-4-3 formation is reliant on two areas of two, his wing-backs and central midfield partnership. In deploying a double-pivot in the centre of the pitch, it is essential the pairing has a balanced blend of attributes.

N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are exemplars of this. The former is more defence-minded and vice versa, yet they are both adept at what the other is proficient in.

Taking the above into account, Rabiot appears well-suited and could play a role similar to that of compatriot Paul Pogba next to Kante at international level. Furthermore, his 6ft-2in frame means he can offer a different element to Tuchel’s current options.

Where do Manchester United and Newcastle stand on Rabiot?

Representatives of Manchester United appear preoccupied with Frenkie de Jong and until clarity is found concerning the Barcelona midfielder it is unlikely we will see any movement with Adrien Rabiot.

Although, Rabiot could act as an almost like-for-like replacement for the aforementioned Pogba who looks set to return to Juventus.

Newcastle, on the other hand, have made initial enquires with Rabiot’s camp, Corriere Dello Sport via Sport Witness again report.

The Magpies’ proposal hasn’t been met with open arms, however, with the player unconvinced by the project irrespective of the potential earnings on offer.