West Ham United pursuit of Adrien Rabiot shared after Juventus exit
West Ham United showed genuine interest in signing Adrien Rabiot before he agreed to join Marseille, according to L’Equipe.
As relayed by French Football News [15 September], the Hammers and Turkish champions Galatasaray registered their interest after the European deadline. However, the midfielder has opted to join former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi in his native France.
The 29-year-old – a five-time Ligue 1 title winner – was out of contract this summer after leaving Juventus and had been linked with a move to several top European clubs.
West Ham United wanted to sign Adrien Rabiot
Tim Steidten was a busy man this summer at West Ham. His hard work stole the headlines throughout the transfer window in supplying Julen Lopetegui with stellar additions for his maiden campaign.
No stone was left unturned by the Hammers chief, and all areas of the pitch were strengthened in a bid to finish in the European places this season.
However, it seems Lopetegui wanted more options in midfield, despite the deadline day loan signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler, and spotted an opportunity in the free agent market with Rabiot still without a club after the 30 August deadline.
While Champions League clubs appeared to be interested in the former Juventus man, no move materialised. His wage demands proved problematic and any move to East London would have needed significant financial compensation to engineer.
With more pressing areas of the pitch to be addressed should the Hammers move for a free agent, particularly at centre-back [ExWHUEmployee], it makes sense that Steidten decided against pursuing his interest in Rabiot amid all the complications that would arise in a potential deal.
After one win in four Premier League matches, it has hardly been the most ideal start for Lopetegui in East London, and perhaps his priorities should lie with integrating the current new faces at the club into the side rather than looking for more options.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui is set to axe a player from the starting line-up.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.