Arsenal have been wanting to sign Adrien Rabiot for as long as I can remember. In fact, I’m fairly certain that before I was even born Arsene Wenger was plotting a master plan to sign the French midfielder. Well, the interest has continued into 2020, perhaps unsurprisingly, and even Mikel Arteta is a keen advocate of him.

This is probably a good sign. When a transfer target is given this much longevity, it just shows that they are clearly seen as a good fit for the club. However, fans are rightfully frustrated that the move has not been made, despite it being in the works every single summer.

According to a new report from Sky Sports Italy (via the Metro), Juventus director Fabio Paratici has cast a shadow of doubt on Rabiot’s move to the Premier League, which is a bad sign for the Gunners, but also for Manchester United and even Everton who were both thought to be interested too.

Should Arsenal be disheartened by this claim? No, not at all. After all, it’s Fabio’s best interest to keep the fans and the player happy by claiming that he will not be sold. It doesn’t mean that the move is completely off, but it is good that he’s come out to claim this because it means that the Arsenal hierarchy can begin to look at alternatives just in case the move doesn’t go ahead.

Rabiot is a hot-headed midfielder who loves to get stuck in, similar to Arsenal current Matteo Guendouzi in many ways. For Juventus, he has learned to keep his composure and stick to his position a lot more, although when given freedom he is no stranger to bombing forward and contributing to the attack as much as possible.

It’s clear to see why Mikel Arteta wants to sign him because he would certainly benefit the midfield, a position which Arteta holds close to his heart. I suppose time will tell whether Arsenal sign the French midfielder or one of his alternatives.

Cover image: Liondartois, 2013