Liverpool boss Arne Slot has added free agent midfielder Adrien Rabiot to his list of transfer targets alongside Martin Zubimendi, according to reports. Rabiot, who was released by Juventus at the end of last season, has been linked with a move to Manchester United for several years.
The Red Devils were credited with an interest in Rabiot during his time in Turin but nothing materialised and he ended up staying in Italy. He was close to joining United in 2020 but the move was thwarted by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before another deal failed last summer.
United have been tipped to mount a renewed approach for Rabiot following his release from Juventus, with Erik ten Hag keen on signing at least one new central midfielder. However, it seems Liverpool could be about to steal a march on their rivals by snapping him up for themselves.
The Merseyside giants have added Rabiot to their shortlist of targets with Slot a keen admirer, according to the Daily Mirror. It is said that Rabiot has been identified as a player who can add vital experience to a young Liverpool squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Reds are still chasing a move for Zubimendi, who is thought to have a release clause in the region of £51million. Talks with Real Sociedad are said to be progressing at a steady rate with Liverpool close to agreeing to pay the full value of his release clause.
Zubimendi was previously linked with a move to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta said to have explored the idea of a move in January. Nothing came of their reported interest, though, and there is little to suggest that the Gunners will go back in for Zubimendi this summer.
If Liverpool can secure deals for both Rabiot and Zubimendi, it would reportedly open the door for Wataru Endo to leave the club. Marseille have already seen a bid of around £12m turned down but the French giants are reportedly willing to increase their offer by submitting a new proposal.
Liverpool are yet to make any summer signings despite being linked with a host of high-profile names throughout the window. It remains to be seen if they will spring into life over the coming weeks, with time running out for the Reds to give Slot the signings he would surely love to make.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk