'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Adrien Rabiot is one of Paris Saint-Germain's most important midfielders, but they haven't been able to tie him down with a new contract.
Rabiot has reportedly turned down an offer for the third time this summer.
The new contract involved wages of €9 million per year, including bonuses, but a difference of opinion with sporting director Antero Henrique is not helping things.
The 23 year old is one of the most promising young midfielders in the world right now, and his current situation could spark a flurry of bids from clubs vying for his signature in January.
If he agrees a pre-contract agreement with another team in the winter, PSG would lose him for free next summer, thanks to his contract expiring in June.
In the current transfer market, Rabiot could prove to be an incredible bargain for a club in need of a central midfielder. Here are 5 teams that should try to sign him.
#5 Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp roped in two midfielders this summer - Fabinho from Monaco and Naby Keita from RB Leipzig.
Fabinho is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, and it looks like Klopp still prefers his trusted trio of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginho Wijnaldum.
Milner has been a cornerstone of the current Liverpool side ever since he joined them from Manchester City in 2015. He has played every match so far this season, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists.
But the veteran Englishman will turn 33 next January, and Klopp needs to sort out a replacement for him soon.
Rabiot is a well-rounded midfielder known not only for his passing and play-making abilities, but also for his aerial strength, tackles, and interceptions.
Signing him for free in January would be a huge coup for The Reds, and also signal intent to their Premier League rivals.
#4 Arsenal
Similar to Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey's contract at Arsenal expires next summer, and The Gunners will need a midfielder to replace him.
Ramsey scored a stunning goal in Arsenal's recent 5-1 win over Fulham, and showed Unai Emery that he still has a lot to offer.
But Manchester United and Liverpool have been circling the Wales international recently, and losing him for free in January will be a huge blow.
Rabiot is comparatively more defensive than Ramsey, but his elegance and flair in midfield could perfectly complement Lucas Torreira's more aggressive style of play.
After Santi Cazorla's departure in the summer, Emery has Torreira, Xhaka, Elneny and Guendouzi at his disposal in midfield. In spite of some talented names in there, he still needs some big names to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, and Rabiot could be one of such big names.
#3 Manchester City
Pep Guardiola's priority signing this summer was a central midfielder, and Manchester City were very close to sealing a deal with Jorginho.
In the end, Maurizio Sarri's Napoli connections enabled Chelsea sign the Italian midfielder.
City have picked up where they left last season, starting 2018-19 with 6 wins and 2 draws. They look as dominant as ever, but an ageing midfield is still a cause for concern.
David Silva is currently 32 years old, and Fernandinho is 33. This has led Guardiola to utilise Bernardo Silva in an unfamiliar midfield role, although the Portuguese has excelled so far in his new found position.
Rabiot could be a long term replacement for Fernandinho if City can sign him in January. The Frenchman's style of play would also suit Guardiola's system, and will only strengthen an already incredible squad.
#2 Manchester United
Manchester United's poor start to the season has been in large part due to a rigid and static midfield.
Paul Pogba has been one of their few good performers in midfield so far, in spite of his inconsistencies.
Nemanja Matic has become very slow despite his impressive form last season, and his mistake led to Newcastle's second goal on Saturday. Marouane Fellaini has improved, but still remains more of an impact substitute.
Ander Herrera is injury prone, and summer signing Fred still has to adapt to the rigours of English football. Rabiot could be Mourinho's perfect long term replacement for Matic. The 23 year old can operate as a deep lying playmaker, and start attacks from the back.
Should Pogba leave for Barcelona in the winter or next summer, United will need a world class replacement, and Rabiot on a free would be a bargain.
#1 Barcelona
For Rabiot himself, Barcelona would be a dream move.
The Catalan giants have been hunting for midfielders ever since Andres Iniesta announced his departure, and they ended up signing Arturo Vidal and Arthur.
They also wanted a third midfielder, and tried to sign Paul Pogba and Ajax wonder-kid Frenkie de Jong.
When both those moves fell through, they made a last ditch attempt to sign Rabiot by offering PSG Ousmane Dembele in return.
If PSG are unable to tie Rabiot down with a contract by January, Barcelona will almost certainly return for his signature. And if they do, they will probably be the favourites to sign him.
Ernesto Valverde has the unenviable job of trying to replace the ageing Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, and signing Rabiot will be a step in the right direction.
