European giants plot new deal to prevent Chelsea signing midfielder

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are hopeful of securing Chelsea target Adrien Rabiot down to a new contract to prevent him leaving the Ligue 1 side, according to L’Equipe.

The France international sees his current contract with the Ligue 1 champions expire at the end of the season, along with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and full-back Thomas Meunier, but PSG want to secure new deals with the trio.

Rabiot, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona, will be free to discuss a pre-contractual agreement with a side outside of France in the New Year if he does not pen a new deal with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

However, with the looming threat of Financial Fair Play hanging over PSG, the club are keen to tie down the core of their squad for the immediate future and Rabiot remains part of their plans.

The 23-year-old has featured in all eight of PSG’s Ligue 1 matches this season, scoring on the opening day against Caen, and completed 90 minutes in the Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.