Barcelona issue Adrien Rabiot statement amid links with PSG contract rebel

Posted Monday, December 31, 2018 by squawka.com

Barcelona have confirmed two attempts to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot but claim they have not breached regulations in their efforts to lure the Frenchman to the Nou Camp.

Rabiot is out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona after reportedly turning down a number of new deal offers from PSG.

What have Barcelona admitted about approaching Rabiot? Four things to know:

1. Rabiot is highly rated in Ligue 1 but was left out of France's squad for the 2018 World Cup, which Les Bleus went on to win.

2. Since then the midfielder is believed to have turned down multiple contract offers from PSG and looks set to run down his current deal.

3. Barcelona have now admitted two attempts to sign Rabiot, once in August and again this month.

4. The Catalan club claims both approaches were directed towards PSG's sporting management, insisting they have not breached regulations.

Barcelona released a statement via their official website on Sunday, explaining their attempts to sign Rabiot and denying any wrongdoing.

The statement read: "FC Barcelona wish to address stories published in France regarding the signing of players from Paris Saint Germain, and make clear that they have not breached any rule in this regard.

"The only contact made was during the month of August and one week ago. In both cases, this contact was made with PSG's sporting management to show FC Barcelona's interest in player Adrien Rabiot.

"FC Barcelona have always wanted to work with the utmost transparency in their dealings with PSG and with any other club.

"FC Barcelona refute the existence of any type of agreement with PSG player Adrien Rabiot."

Could Liverpool beat Barcelona to Rabiot?

Rabiot has also been linked with Liverpool and other suitors could remain keen given Barcelona's denial of an agreement with the 23-year-old.

The controversy surrounding Barcelona's approach could play into Liverpool's hands, although Rabiot may be put off by the amount of midfield competition at Anfield.

The Reds' midfield three of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri worked brilliantly together in Saturday's 5-1 victory over Arsenal.

Barcelona, PSG and Liverpool will all compete in the knockout stages of the Champions League in 2019.