Player Arsene Wenger tried to sign at Arsenal now available as a free agent, he ‘dreams’ of PL move

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Arsenal are in the market for a central midfielder, and a previous target of theirs is now available on a free transfer.

Mikel Arteta is keen on adding another option alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, with Mikel Merino the latest name linked.

Arsenal want to complete their midfield trio, and by targeting Merino, it is clear that they are willing to deviate from their policy of targeting younger players.

A player who has been continually linked with Arsenal for the best part of a decade is World Cup winner Adrien Rabiot, and the 29-year-old is now a free agent after leaving Juventus.

Former Arsenal target Adrien Rabiot leaves Juventus on free transfer

Rabiot has now departed Juventus on a free transfer, and there is plenty of interest in the midfielder from a lot of top clubs.

Fabrizio Romano has now told CaughtOffside that the former Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain star would love to play in the Premier League.

“Since June, Rabiot was expected to leave Juventus and it’s now been confirmed. His mother Veronique spoke to 5/6 clubs in recent weeks, and they’re keeping all the options open,” he revealed.

“I don’t want to mention all the clubs because it’s a really long list and some of them are not even concrete at the moment… it’s just talks.

“For sure, the dream of Adrien Rabiot is Premier League football, so let’s see if he gets the proposal he wants.”

Arsenal tried to sign Adrien Rabiot in 2015

Arsene Wenger spotted Rabiot when he was just 20, with it reported in 2015 that he was a key target for Arsenal ahead of the January window.

“Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is ready to increase his efforts to bolster his midfield during the January transfer widow and the Frenchman is expected to make a bid for compatriot Adrien Rabiot,” it was reported at the time.

Mohamed Elneny was signed from Basel instead, with Rabiot later developing into a key starter for France and Juventus.

Whilst he could be a bargain for whoever lands him on a free, he may not suit Arsenal now. Arsenal are keen on adding a more versatile option, and Rabiot may not offer as much in possession than Merino, and given his wage demands, it seems unlikely that Arteta will be keen on adding him to the squad.