Report: £10m player wants Barcelona despite Liverpool, Arteta and Conte all being keen

By Lee Connor

English clubs’ hopes of signing French midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, have taken a blow, with reports that he’s keen on signing for Barcelona instead.

A whole host of English sides are said to be keen on Rabiot. Liverpool and Arsenal are thought to have made contact with the Frenchman. Beyond those two, Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are also thought to be keen on signing Rabiot as well.

However, in a blow to Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal, Spanish publication, Sport, is claiming that Rabiot would actually be keener on signing for Barcelona above anyone else.

It’s claimed by Sport that Barca came close to signing Rabiot before he joined Juventus. And from that interest, there has remained a mutual admiration between both club and player.

Rabiot, 27, has been one of the stars of the World Cup for France. He missed the semi-final win over Morrocco with illness but could come back in for the final vs Argentina this weekend.

The Frenchman has caught attention heading into January after reports claimed he could be allowed to leave Juventus for as little as £10m.

TBR’s View: Rabiot has proven himself in the World Cup

There was a time when some would have sneered at the thought of signing Adrien Rabiot. He went to both PSG and Juventus on mega-money and has, in the main, failed to really deliver.

But he seems settled right now and his performances over in Qatar have been excellent. Rabiot has been a key cog in the France machine, and he’ll be vital in trying to stop Leo Messi and co on Sunday.

Of course, Barca’s interest is a blow to Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham. The midfielder fits into all three teams really and if he ends up in La Liga, it will be a shame. For now, though, the race is still open and a lot can change.