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Juventus respond to Mikel Arteta’s push to sign Adrien Rabiot for Arsenal


Adrien Rabiot is reportedly on Arsenal’s transfer shortlist (Getty Images)

Juventus are planning to turn down any offer Arsenal make for Adrien Rabiot in the January transfer window, according to reports in Italy.

Earlier this week, The Times reported that Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his options in midfield and has identified Rabiot as a potential signing for the upcoming window.

Rabiot joined Juventus on a free transfer in the summer but has started just five games in Serie A so far this season.

However, Sport Mediaset report that Juventus are not willing to let Rabiot leave in January and will not even consider a loan offer from Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window (Getty Images)

Earlier this month, Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri admitted that Rabiot has found it difficult to adjust and claimed the 24-year-old’s quiet personality has not helped.

‘He has struggled to settle into our football, but that is normal,’ said Sarri.

‘He also came off an injury and struggled more in the first half in Germany [against Leverkusen], but he came out towards the end.

‘He is also quite introverted, which doesn’t help him to settle.’

Mikel Arteta faces a battle to keep Granit Xhaka at Arsenal in January (BPI/REX)

Arsenal, meanwhile, will face a battle to keep Granit Xhaka next month.

Following the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Boxing Day, Xhaka’s agent claimed that the midfielder has already agreed personal terms with Hertha Berlin and the Bundesliga club must now agree a transfer fee with Arsenal.

‘Look, I will say it frankly and honestly, we are in agreement with Hertha BSC and would like to go to Berlin,’ José Noguera told Blick.

‘We have told Arsenal’s club boss Raul Sanllehi and sporting director Edu Gaspar, as well as the new coach Mikel Arteta.

‘Arsenal was informed about all the steps, the player and Hertha are clear.

‘It’s only about the transfer fee of the clubs.’

According to Swiss newspaper Blick, Hertha have offered €25 million (£21.3m) to Arsenal for Xhaka.





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