Everton could face competition from Barcelona for Rabiot’s signature
Everton could face competition from Barcelona for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this summer, according to a new report from Italy.
Carlo Ancelotti’s determination to sign the Frenchman has been well documented, with the Blues very keen on reuniting the Italian with the player he handed his debut to at Paris Saint-Germain.
Juventus are said to be open to allowing Rabiot to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer, with the player considered to be one possible option as a makeweight in a deal that would see Moise Kean return to Turin. [Mail Online]
However TuttoJuve have revealed that Everton won’t be without competition in the race for Rabiot, with Barcelona said to be interested in bringing the 26-year old to the Nou Camp.
Barca have previously done business with Juventus, recently coordinating deals that saw Miralem Pjanic and Arthur swap clubs, and TuttoJuve believe the Catalan giants could explore a similar deal again.
The report doesn’t mention who Ronald Koeman’s side could give to Juventus in exchange, but it does make clear that Barca are considering Rabiot as an option this summer.
Test of Ancelotti pull
Should Everton and Barcelona end up going head to head over signing Rabiot this summer, it will be a real test of how much influence Carlo Ancelotti has.
Barca are quite clearly a larger and more prestigious club to play for, and they can offer Champions League football whereas Everton likely won’t be able to do the same.
However, Ronald Koeman is not yet an esteemed coach, as Everton fans will be fully aware, while Ancelotti certainly is.
Barcelona can blow Everton out of the water in almost every department in the transfer market, save for the Blues being able to offer more regular football as well as top tier competition in the Premier League.
Rabiot also has a previous working relationship with Ancelotti, with the Italian handing him his first taste of top tier football in Paris, which could also give Everton a slight edge.
If Everton want to land Rabiot then Barcelona not being involved would help matters, but it isn’t impossible that the Toffees could tempt a player over the Catalan giants.
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