Barcelona looking to sign highly-rated Adrien Rabiot – Reports

Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports from Sport. Rabiot has already agreed terms with the Catalan giants, with only a transfer fee between the two clubs yet to be decided.

Thomas Tuchel does not consider Rabiot a part of his plans for next season and is ready to offload him for the right price.  The French midfielder, who was a surprising omission from his nation's World Cup squad, has only one year remaining on his current contract and PSG are keen to get rid of him instead of losing him for nothing next summer. Eric Abidal reportedly flew to Paris to thrash out a deal with Rabiot's mother first before formally launching a deal for the Frenchman.

The French club are unlikely to accept anything less than €40m though for the 23-year-old who was once considered a 'special prospect'. Rabiot is set to receive €600,000 per month at Barcelona if the deal does go through but the Spanish side are set to face a stiff challenge from Arsenal who are also looking to bring in the young French midfielder. Unai Emery has worked with Rabiot in the past during his time as PSG head coach and knows exactly what the player brings to the table.

Barcelona are in need of midfield reinforcements having parted ways with Andres Iniesta and Paulinho, who recently completed a season-long loan move to China.  They recently roped in Arthur Melo but that remains the only piece of business they have conducted thus far. They will need to add significantly to their squad if they are to challenge on all fronts next season.

Rabiot would strengthen the midfield significantly, slotting in alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic. He could also form a major part of the core as they look to build for the future considering he is currently only 23 years old.