Adrien Rabiot is being considered as a viable alternative by Liverpool, who are keeping their midfield options open

Football Insider reports that Adrien Rabiot has surfaced as a potential replacement for Steven Gerrard in Liverpool’s midfield. The signing of Martin Zubimendi remains a goal, though. Despite his many problems, the former Juventus star is free to sign on as long as his salary demands are satisfied.

Anything Liverpool trΓͺn X: "𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑡𝑺𝑭𝑬𝑹 𝑹𝑼𝑴𝑢𝑼𝑹 According to  𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 π‘°π’•π’‚π’π’Šπ’‚ Liverpool are eyeing a move for free agent Adrien  Rabiot. Rabiot is rumoured to be earning Β£146k per week.  https://t.co/iwlqcsJqer" / X

Sergio Ramos named to Liverpool’s preliminary rosterThe prospect of Martin Zubimendi starting at center midfield has won over Liverpool supporters. The club has made the Spaniard their number one midfield target for this transfer window. Currently, negotiations with Real Sociedad are continuing, and it is anticipated that the midfielder will make his arrival at Anfield during this transfer window.

Anything Liverpool on X: "𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑡𝑺𝑭𝑬𝑹 𝑡𝑬𝑾𝑺 πŸ‡«πŸ‡· Adrien Rabiot has  reportedly rejected the final Juventus contract offer, so now considers  himself free to discuss with other clubs including Liverpool. ✍️  @footballitalia https://t.co/OBueKl7NY6" /

Nevertheless, there are a number of obstacles that could impede the pursuit, making the move difficult. Persuading the player to quit his childhood club, where he has played his whole professional career thus far, will be the primary objective. The second issue is that Zubimendi is expected to join Liverpool by Real Sociedad.

Anything Liverpool on X: "𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑡𝑺𝑭𝑬𝑹 𝑹𝑼𝑴𝑢𝑼𝑹𝑺 Adrien Rabiot is  getting closer to Manchester United! Rabiot prefers Man United to Liverpool.  ✍️ @RomainCG75 https://t.co/M9uf2uvwS7" / X

As far as exit clauses go, Sociedad wants to get their hands on Zubimendi’s release clause, which is little more than Β£51 million. Potentially leading to a stalemate, Liverpool is more likely to pay in installments, as is the case with all deals. Therefore, Liverpool is not ruling out any possibilities in its search for a new midfielder; one such candidate is Adrien Rabiot, a 29-year-old who made it to the finals of the World Cup and is now being considered as a replacement for Zubimendi.

Transfermarkt.co.uk on X: "Liverpool are exploring a deal to sign Adrien  Rabiot on a free https://t.co/6kKZXn3cO2" / X

Having left Juventus on a free transfer, the Frenchman is now available to Liverpool, who may take use of his experience to sign a star player. His representative has been in contact with other teams, including Liverpool, and a transfer is still possible if their transfer fees are lower than his salary expectations.

This summer, Liverpool may be able to pull off a similar feat.In this pursuit, Liverpool will be obstructed by Rabiot’s salary demands, which exceed Β£10 million every season. But if they don’t have to pay a hefty sum all at once, like Zubimendi did, they could be willing to compromise. Just like last summer, when Liverpool grabbed Wataru Endo despite missing out on top midfield targets like Moises Caicedo, they might repeat history if they make a move for the 29-year-old World Cup finalist.

Manchester United is among several interested parties in signing Rabiot, despite the fact that he brings more experience to the table than Zubimendi. Therefore, Liverpool will move quickly to secure the Frenchman’s signature after they receive a definitive response from Real Sociedad and Zubimendi.