Arsenal are targeting a swap deal for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot as Mikel Arteta attempts to continue the Gunners’ swift business this summer, according to reports in Italy.
The North Londoners have already signed off two incoming deals, with the additions not expected to stop there. Brazilian youngster Marquinhos has arrived from Sao Paulo, whilst Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira was signed for a £34million fee earlier this week.
Elsewhere, American goalkeeper Matt Turner has not yet been formally announced but is expected to become an Arsenal player sooner rather than later. Another imminent arrival could be that of Juventus star Rabiot, with the Gunners reportedly looking to put together a swap deal for the Frenchman.
According to Italian outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, Arteta's side are considering a straight swap deal with Juve for the midfielder which would see wantaway defender Hector Bellerin go the other way.
The Spanish defender is not expected to return to the Emirates Stadium this summer having enjoyed a successful loan spell with Real Betis last term. He will soon be entering the final year of his Arsenal contract, meaning a deal could be easy to facilitate.
Rabiot also has just over 12 months remaining on his contract in Turin and could be set to leave the club. The former Paris Saint-Germain star joined the Italian giants in 2019 and made 45 appearances last term but a sale is needed this summer if the Bianconeri are to avoid losing him for free next summer.
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He has, of course, been linked with a move to the Premier League on a number of occasions in the past. Arsenal have been credited with a previous interest and could finally bring him to the Emirates should their swap deal be accepted.
Arteta is said to be keen to add another midfielder despite the signing of Vieira. Leicester ’s Youri Tielemans is a target but recent reports have suggested that Arsenal's interest has waned. Another option could be Fabian Ruiz, who is linked with an exit from Napoli.
Manchester United also reportedly hold an interest in a move for Rabiot, with Erik ten Hag keen to add to his midfield options this summer. He would certainly be a cheaper option than Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, as the Catalan giants are aiming to receive a free of £70million for the Dutchman.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have been credited as admirers in six-time Ligue 1 champion Rabiot, with Thomas Tuchel keen to reunite with his former midfielder.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal’s potential swap deal would edge them ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race for Rabiot. That being said, a new right-back would likely be welcome in Turin with Juan Cuadrado ageing and Mattia De Sciglio not seen as a long-term option.
