Adrien Rabiot deal hits further blockage for Erik ten Hag as Juventus ask to sign revitalised Man Utd man in return

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has signed the France midfielder after seemingly giving up on Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils have been chasing the Barcelona midfielder all summer, but he appears to be further away than ever. To make matters worse, according to Thursday’s Transfer Gossip, De Jong will join Chelsea as part of massive four-way investment for the London club.

However, for all intents and purposes, their path to signing Rabiot appeared clearer. Indeed, with the 27-year-old entering the final year of his contract in Turin, Juventus were unwilling to obstruct a departure.

As a result, United is said to have agreed to a fee of £15 million, with bonuses bringing the total to £18 million.

But, just as his signing appeared to be nearing completion, the first of their concerns surfaced on Wednesday. This comes amid reports that Rabiot’s mother and agent, Veronique, has boosted her son’s wage expectations.

Rabiot snr is now seeking £8 million (€10 million) every season. Over the course of three years, this corresponds to £162,692 each week. And that is far more than the initial deal at £6.7m (€8m) per year, or £129,000 per week, that they were supposed to be looking for.

Nonetheless, Ten Hag appears to be intent on signing him, citing the player’s superiority over Scott McTominay and Fred. The manager of Manchester United was forced to start the season with the much-maligned midfield duo. And the typical issues were on display for everyone to see as Brighton claimed a merited 2-1 victory.

Juventus wants to swap Adrien Rabiot for Manchester United’s star.

That performance has further fueled Ten Hag’s eagerness to find upgrades for the pair.

Their actions drew the expected condemnation from commentators Roy Keane and Paul Scholes. Ten Hag seemed to be equally unimpressed, bursting into life over Rabiot.

Ten Hag has already spoken with the player about his role in the United team.

And, with the director of football John Murtough boarding an aircraft to Italy for discussions, it appeared that a deal was in the works.

However, with Mrs. Rabiot raising her wage demands to United, a second issue has arisen.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus has surprised United by asking for Anthony Martial as part of the deal.

The attacker has long been on Juventus’ radar, and the club has contemplated signing him in the past.

They are now attempting to get him to the Allianz Stadium. The Bianconeri are allegedly seeking for additional firepower to complement Dusan Vlahovic. And Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is said to be interested in signing Martial.

United must make a decision.

If Juventus signed Martial, they would undoubtedly have to pay a financial adjustment to United.

He is under contract with the Red Devils until 2024 and is worth between £25m and £30m.

The other concern for Ten Hag is that Martial appears to have recovered his best form this summer. He was looking good in pre-season and was set to start against Brighton until he was forced out by injury.

And, with Manchester United missing a front-line danger, the club must decide whether to sacrifice Martial.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the club’s best scorer last season, but his future is also unknown.

He presently makes £250,000 per week and would need a significant pay cut to join Juve.

Finally, Ten Hag will have to pick whether Adrien Rabiot or Anthony Martial is more essential to him.