Tottenham reportedly want to make 'under-the-radar' World Cup ace their highest-paid midfielder

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur are just one of the clubs reportedly eyeing France midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

According to Calciomercato, Spurs are in the race to sign the Juventus ace alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, Antonio Conte could well look to bolster his ranks.

Tottenham haven’t done badly by any means, but they’re far from the finished product.

And Rabiot, whose Juve contract expires next summer, is certainly a decent shout for the Spurs midfield.

Rabiot – branded ‘very elegant‘ by Hugo Lloris – has featured strongly for France in the World Cup this winter.

He has played in all four of his nation’s games at Qatar so far, including three starts.

If Rabiot is fit, he’s likely to start for France against England in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Alan Shearer, writing in The Athletic, has praised Rabiot, saying he’s been impressing under the radar.

“I’ve watched France a couple of times live at the World Cup,” said the England legend.

“Griezmann is going under the radar, as is Rabiot in midfield.

“There are fascinating battles all over the pitch. It’s going to be a shoot-out.”

Paratici a big fan of Rabiot

In summer, Manchester United seemingly tried to sign Rabiot, but didn’t proceed due to his camp’s wage demands.

Rabiot’s mother and agent, Veronique, reportedly demanded a €10million-a-year (around £165,000-a-week) salary.

As per the earlier Calciomercato report, Juve cannot offer him more than what he currently earns – €7million a year.

However, Tottenham – as well as Arsenal and Chelsea – shouldn’t have a problem in matching their expectations.

Spurs chief Fabio Paratici was in charge of Juventus when they signed the Frenchman on a free transfer in 2019.

He reportedly remains a ‘great admirer’ of Rabiot, and as such is looking to swoop for him again.

As per Salarysport, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is currently the highest-paid midfielder at Spurs, on £100,000-a-week.

Should Rabiot join for £165,000-a-week, he’d then become the highest-paid midfielder at N17.

He’d also become the sixth-highest paid player at Tottenham, behind Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Ivan Perisic, Cristian Romero and Richarlison.

A fairly high salary, but considering Spurs would likely sign him on a free in the summer, not too pricey overall.