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Barcelona transfer news: Adrien Rabiot deal in doubt - Chelsea and Tottenham could pounce
BARCELONA and their swoop for PSG ace Adrien Rabiot looks in doubt.
The Catalans had been hotly tipped to snare the France international in the coming days.
However, according to Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo, the deal is on the rocks.
It’s suggested Rabiot’s mother - who also happens to be his agent - is now pushing for more cash.
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A verbal agreement had reportedly been agreed after months of negotiations.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery knows Adrien Rabiot well
But with nothing in writing, Rabiot’s team have reneged on the agreement.
The news could be a huge boost to Chelsea and Tottenham.
Mundo Deportivo reported last week that Chelsea and Spurs both launched ambitious swoops for the in-demand ace.
Rabiot is only 23 years old but has been a regular starter for PSG since 2013.
He’s racked up over 200 appearances in the city of lights.
Rabiot has also been on Arsenal’s radar in the past.
Unai Emery knows him well from his stint in the Parc des Princes hot seat.
According to ESPN FC pundit and former Gunners striker Paul Mariner, the Spaniard should have made some calls.
“I love this guy, love him,” Mariner said when quizzed about Tottenham’s reported interest.
“I wish that said ‘The Arsenal’ because I think he’d fit in an absolute treat.”
Mariner insists Rabiot would be a good acquisition for Spurs who failed to make a single signing in the summer.
“Do Tottenham need him? Absolutely they need him,” he continued.
“Should they have tried to get him earlier? Yes they should.”
Both Tottenham and Chelsea need to shuffle their squads in the New Year.
Spurs are in dazzling form but desperately need fresh faces in.
The Blues, meanwhile, are expected to sell before they can buy.
Victor Moses, Danny Drinkwater and Andreas Christensen have all been tipped to depart.