Will new Juventus signing get his way? Rabiot tells Sarri his “preferred position”

New Juventus signing Adrien Rabiot has revealed his preferred position but insists it is Maurizio Sarri’s decision where he plays.

The 24-year-old joined Juventus on a free transfer this week after allowing his Paris Saint-Germain contract to expire.

Rabiot to Juve: Five things to know…

• Rabiot refused to sign a contract extension with PSG last season and was subsequently phased out of the squad.
• The Frenchman has not played a competitive match since December.
• A host of clubs were linked with his signature, including Manchester United.
• But he has now become Maurizio Sarri’s second summer signing after Aaron Ramsey.
• Ramsey also joined the Old Lady on a free transfer after signing a pre-contract agreement from Arsenal in January.

Rabiot had been banished from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after the midfielder refused to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms at the Parc des Princes.

He will now work under former Chelsea boss Sarri at the Allianz Stadium, and the Frenchman has been talking about where in the Juventus midfield he might play next season.

Speaking at a press conference, Rabiot said: “My preferred position on the field is in the left midfield, but I can also play in a two-man midfield.

“I am at the disposal of the coach. I have chosen the No. 25 jersey. There is a lot of competition here, even with Blaise Matuidi, but it doesn’t change anything regarding my relationship with him. It’s normal.”

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What does Rabiot’s Man Utd snub mean for Pogba?

Last month Rabiot publicly name-checked both Juventus and Manchester United when speculation about his future was still rife.

He told Corriere dello Sport: “I’ve spoken with Juventus, it’s a great club where everyone would like to play.

“I like Italy so much, it’s wonderful here. A demanding season awaits me. At Juventus? Juve watched me and we talked about it, but I can’t say anything.

“Manchester United? It’s the same as last year, I have to decide. I’m on vacation for now. Soon you will know.”

Juventus had been linked with a move for Paul Pogba, but the arrival of Rabiot could suffice for the Serie A champions.

And with United’s chances of signing Rabiot now over, the Red Devils will be keen to keep hold of Pogba ahead of Solskjaer’s first full season at the club.