Category: Paris Saint-Germain

Bayern ignite Rice race with £95m offer, Kane to Man Utd blocked – Paper Round

May 29, 2023

Bayern’s £95m Rice offer

Bayern Munich have thrown the race to sign Declan Rice this summer wide open after the Mirror reported the German champions are launching a £95m offer for the West Ham midfielder. Rice will be allowed to leave the Hammers if their asking price is met, and amid interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, the England international is said to have spoke to Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel recently as he considers his options.

“Rice is expected to inform West Ham that his preference is to move to Arsenal this summer. The Gunners want Rice to replace Granit Xhaka, who looks set to join Bayer Leverkusen,” the Mirror writes.

Transfers

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“However, Rice is believed to have held talks with Bayern boss Tuchel in recent days and the lure of joining one of Europe’s heavyweights could prove a tempting proposition. It is also unclear at this stage how much Arsenal are willing to pay to land Rice this summer.”

**

Spurs to block Kane to Man Utd

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will not allow Harry Kane to leave for a Premier League rival this summer, the Mirror reports, a decision that hinders Manchester United’s hopes of signing the forward. Even though Kane is out of contract next summer, Levy is willing to take the risk – even if the England captain ends up leaving on a free in 12 months’ time.

“Tottenham will certainly not give up on keeping Kane beyond his current deal as they believe his loyalty plus also the incentive of closing in on the Premier League goals record – he is now just 47 behind Alan Shearer’s 260 – could persuade him to stay even longer,” the Mirror writes.

“Kane, who turns 30 in July, also knows that he could have the pick of his clubs next year as a free agent when, if he did decide to leave, he would also command a mega contract.”

**

PSG sound out Odegaard

Paris Saint-Germain are interested in a shock move for Martin Odegaard, the Daily Mail reports. The Arsenal captain was central to their title challenge, scoring 15 times as the Gunners finished second behind Manchester City. And with Arsenal out to build on this improved campaign under Mikel Arteta they are reluctant to sell this summer, and also boast a transfer budget that would not require such big-same sales in the upcoming window.

“Odegaard is key to Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward and is also happy with life in London,” the Mail writes.

“Arsenal have a transfer budget of around £180m plus sales – but don’t want Odegaard to leave as they look to go one better than second place next season.”

**

Fulham want Fred

Fulham are in the running to sign Fred from Manchester United this summer, the Daily Mail reports. Fulham boss Marco Silva waited to speak with Fred after their meeting at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, and with United willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old midfielder, a move to London could be in the offing for the Brazilian.

The Mail adds: “There are likely to be further departures from United this summer, with Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Brandon Williams and Alex Telles amongst those who could leave.

“Donny van de Beek and Anthony Elanga could also depart. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are out of contract and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has been on loan at Nottingham Forest, may depart permanently. There haven’t been any discussions about keeping Wout Weghorst once his loan from Burnley comes to an end and the same applies to Marcel Sabitzer, who is on loan from Bayern Munich.”

Transfers

Real Madrid offered Kane in swap deal for Hazard – Paper Round

26/05/2023 AT 00:44

Transfers

Man Utd ready to launch early summer bids for Kane and Mount – Paper Round

24/05/2023 AT 22:32

PSG goalkeeper Rico hospitalised and in serious condition after fall while horse riding

May 28, 2023

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico was hospitalised on Sunday morning following a bad fall during a horse riding accident.

The Spaniard had returned to his home town of Seville following last night’s Ligue 1 title-winning draw with Strasbourg, a match during which Rico remained on the substitutes’ bench.

Spanish media, including COPE, AS, and Marca, reported that Rico was in a serious condition. Cadena Ser reported that Rico was not conscious, while all sources indicated that medical examinations are ongoing.

Champions League

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The incident, which took place near the town of El Rocio, near Huelva in the south of Spain, apparently involved a runaway horse colliding with Rico’s. While some sources indicated that Rico was struck on the head or neck during the fall, that has not yet been confirmed.

After reports of his hospitalisation became public, both PSG and Rico’s former club Sevilla posted confirmations online.

PSG’s statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain learned of the accident involving its player Sergio Rico on Sunday and remains in constant contact with his loved ones. The entire Red and Blue community offers them its full support.”

Sevilla also offered their best wishes on Twitter, posting the following: “Lots of strength and speedy recovery, @sergiorico25”

Rico has been with PSG since leaving Sevilla in 2020, and spent part of last season on loan with Mallorca. He has also previously enjoyed a loan spell in the Premier League with Fulham.

Premier League

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Premier League

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Messi sets European scoring record as PSG wrap up Ligue 1 title

May 27, 2023

Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned Ligue 1 champions for a record 11th time after a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg.

The Parisians knew a point would be enough to secure top spot for the second successive season, so despite Lionel Messi’s strike being cancelled out late on by Kevin Gameiro, they duly picked up another title.

The hosts, who had won three of their last four home games, were hard to break down at the back and dangerous on the counter-attack, with Habib Diarra and Morgan Sanson both creating chances.

Ligue 1

Why PSG must be ‘ambitious’ in summer window or ‘risk losing Mbappe’

24/05/2023 AT 10:19

Renato Sanches meanwhile had a volley well saved by Matz Sels at the other end, but Strasbourg were creating the bulk of the openings, including Habib Diallo hitting the post from distance.

Opportunities remained few and far between after the break, until Messi opened the scoring on 59 minutes when he converted from Kylian Mbappe’s pass – with the goal breaking him out of a tie with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in Europe’s top five leagues.

It took Strasbourg a little time to respond, but they equalised when substitute Gameiro bundled over the line against his former club with little over 10 minutes remaining.

A point was all that the hosts needed to confirm their place in the top flight for next season, and they duly held on for the draw, much to the delight of a sell-out crowd at Stade de la Meinau.

TALKING POINT – PSG dominance continues

PSG were left burned in 2020/21, when Lille ended their three year reign as champions by picking up a shock Ligue 1 title victory.

Since then, the Parisians have bounced back sensationally, and have not only defended their crown from last season, but have actually been top of the pile since August 2021, meaning they will become the first French club to lead the way since week one.

That’s not enough to lift the pressure on the manager though, with many believing PSG have underperformed this year, and the likes of Zinadine Zidane and Luis Enrique being linked with the hot-seat.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Matz Sels (Strasbourg). This was far from the busiest game of the goalkeeper’s career, but he put in a near perfect display to keep Kylian Mbappe in particular at bay.

Twice Sels came rushing off his line to make crucial interceptions at the feet of the striker, including a magnificent slide-tackle in the second half.

He also made a wonderful stop from Renato Sanches to ensure his side picked up the point their needed to secure another season of Ligue 1 football.

PLAYER RATINGS

STRASBOURG: Sels 7; Dagba 6, Nyamsi 6, Perrin 7; Sissoko 6, Guilbert 7, Doukoure 7, Sanson 6; Diarra 7, Diallo 8, Bellegarde 7. Subs: Lienard 6, Gameiro 7

PSG: Donnarumma 6; Zaire-Emery 7, Ramos 6, Danilo 6, Bitshaibu 6; Bernat 6, Verratti 7, Sanches 7; Vitinha 6, Mbappe 7, Messi 7. Subs: Soler n/a

KEY MOMENTS

23’ DIALLO COMES CLOSE. That’s the best chance of the game so far! Diallo brilliantly brings the ball down before turning Danilo. He then takes aim for goal from the edge of the area, only for Donnarumma to make a finger-tip save, diverting over the bar

30’ SUPERB SAVE BY SELS. Sanches is left unmarked on the penalty spot from the resulting corner and he strikes a terrific volley goalwards, only for Matz Sels to save

38’ OFF THE POST! Another brilliant break on the counter from Strasbourg, with Diarra heading down to Diallo, who clatters a 25-yard shot against the woodwork. That was a terrific strike

59’ GOAL! STRASBOURG 0-1 PSG (Lionel Messi). Out of nowhere, PSG are ahead! A long ball picks out Mbappe, and he plays in Messi, who makes a run from deep and then converts from inside the area.

79’ GOAL! STRASBOURG 1-1 PSG (Kevin Gameiro). Strasbourg have equalised! They’ve created nothing over the last ten or so minutes, but are level through Gameiro, who bundles over the line after Donnarumma had made a terrific save from Sanson

KEY STATS

  • Strasbourg move on to 40 points in Ligue 1 – they only had 18 when Frédéric Antonetti took charge in mid-February
  • PSG are now unbeaten in their last 12 head-to-heads with Strasbourg

Ligue 1

Mbappe at the double as PSG edge closer to Ligue 1 title

21/05/2023 AT 18:05

Transfers

Man Utd to battle PSG for £140m Osimhen this summer – Paper Round

20/05/2023 AT 05:34

Why PSG must be ‘ambitious’ in summer window or ‘risk losing Mbappe’

May 24, 2023

Kylian Mbappe is reported to have rejected the option of extending his Paris Saint-Germain contract to 2025 – but what does that mean for his future at the club?

The France captain’s time with PSG has been full of speculation about his intentions, with Real Madrid regularly being in the conversation with regard to his possible next destination.

And Mbappe’s latest decision has thrown up a whole new raft of questions.

Football

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We decided to delve into them with our colleague Martin Mosnier from Eurosport France…

– – –

It was L’Equipe who reported the news on Wednesday of Mbappe’s decision not to trigger his contract extension to 2025.

This means that the forward would therefore be a free agent next summer, on June 30, 2024.

Mbappe had claimed as recently as March that he was “very happy” at PSG.

The 24-year-old said: “For me it’s a privilege to play here. I’m from Paris and being at PSG is special. I arrived when I was young and I’ve grown and matured a lot, on and off the pitch, since then.”

Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes in Paris, on May 13, 2023

Image credit: Getty Images

And when questioned if his future was linked to winning the Champions League – something that continues to prove elusive for PSG, Mbappe added: “I don’t think so. If I linked my future to the Champions League, and I don’t want to disrespect the club, I would have gone very far!

“I am here and I am very happy, and for the moment I’m not thinking about anything other than making PSG happy.”

But Mbappe’s latest move suggests something has changed. Mosnier reckons the element of “control” is key in this process.

“This decision allows him [Mbappe] to put PSG under pressure, especially during the transfer window,” Mosnier says.

“Mbappe is an ambitious player and wants to have the best team around him or he will leave. It is also a way to control his future because in a year’s time he will do what he wants.

“He knows that if he activates the clause, Paris will never sell him next summer. So it’s a way to be free in 2024.”

Mosnier thinks there is little chance of Mbappe forcing through a move this summer, and discussed which players might be on PSG’s list to build around the France skipper.

“Mbappe will not leave Paris this summer because he is under contract,” Mosnier says. “PSG will never sell him. Especially as the club has already decided to part with Lionel Messi and is trying to sell Neymar.

“The plan is to build a new team around Mbappe.

“Mbappe definitely wants a top striker to help him. Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen are the two names that come up most often.

“The midfield will also be rebuilt – Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram are possibilities.

“It is certain that if PSG are not ambitious during this window, they will risk losing Mbappe in the summer of 2024.”

PSG are on the brink of winning the Ligue 1 title after Mbappe’s double secured victory over Auxerre on Sunday.

PSG are six points ahead of second-placed Lens – who also have an inferior goal difference – with two games left to play.

Transfers

Real Madrid ready for Mbappe to force PSG exit this summer – Paper Round

11/03/2023 AT 06:29

Champions League

Mbappe: Bayern result won’t dictate my PSG future

07/03/2023 AT 18:01

AJ Auxerre v PSG – Ligue 1 LIVE

May 21, 2023

Follow the Ligue 1 live Football match between AJ Auxerre and Paris Saint-Germain with Eurosport. The match starts at 7:45 PM on May 21st, 2023.

Catch the latest AJ Auxerre and Paris Saint-Germain news and find up to date Ligue 1 standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

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Mbappe at the double as PSG edge closer to Ligue 1 title

May 21, 2023

Paris Saint-Germain survived a fightback from Auxerre to claim a 2-1 win to move to the brink of the Ligue 1 title.

Christophe Galtier’s side made a superb start to the match by taking the lead after just six minutes. Fabian Ruiz slipped in Kylian Mbappe who twisted inside and out before firing a brilliant effort past Ionut Radu.

Mbappe had his second just two minutes later, Lionel Messi’s pass found Mbappe who lashed his effort home to make it 2-0.

Transfers

Man Utd to battle PSG for £140m Osimhen this summer – Paper Round

YESTERDAY AT 05:34

The hosts came close to pulling a goal back in the 38th minute when Souleymane Isaak’s vicious effort crashed off the crossbar.

Auxerre pulled one back six minutes into the second half. Lassine Sinayoko latched onto a long ball over the top before firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Relegation-threatened Auxerre continued to push forward in search of an equaliser but Galtier’s side did enough to see the win over the line and move one step closer to the Ligue 1 title.

More to follow.

Transfers

PSG eye Odegaard as potential Messi replacement – Paper Round

17/05/2023 AT 22:16

La Liga

Barca president vows to make every effort to bring Messi back to club

15/05/2023 AT 13:32

Man Utd to battle PSG for £140m Osimhen this summer – Paper Round

May 20, 2023

PSG chase Osimhen

Spanish newspaper Marca believes that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Victor Osimhen, but with his high asking price, they might look at Harry Kane, who will be out of contract next summer.

The paper writes: “The no.1 option, price being no object, would be Victor Osimhen of Napoli, who has caught the eye of all of Europe with his performances this season. He would likely cost in the region of 150 million euros.

Transfers

Man Utd eye competition for De Gea, Arsenal enter £90m Rice talks – Paper Round

15/05/2023 AT 22:21

“Meanwhile, the ‘budget’ option might be Harry Kane at a relatively modest 100 million euros. Perhaps his expiring contract (2024) might force Tottenham to accept a lower offer, too.

“Whichever way you look at it, PSG sporting director Luis Campos is set for a busy summer. A possible exit for Neymar could also be something on his agenda.”

United also keen on Osimhen

Another option for Osimhen could be Manchester United, with the Mirror suggesting Erik ten Hag is looking to add a forward to his squad this summer.

“Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain but he would prefer a move to the Premier League, despite a recent trip to the France capital,” the paper claims.

“United boss Erik ten Hag has prioritised the signing of a new central striker this summer to spearhead their attack for the long-term. The 24-year-old is highly regard by United transfer chiefs and he heads the club’s striking shortlist.

“United scouts attended Napoli’s Champions League clash against Milan last month, when the Nigerian found the net but it was not enough for his side to progress in Europe but Osimhen’s goals fired the Italian club to their first league title in 33 years.

“Osimhen spoke in March that it would be his “dream” to play in the Premier League as links with him moving to Old Trafford intensified. United have subsequently sent scouts to monitor the striker’s play.”

Arsenal to wait to make Rice bid

The Sun believes that Arsenal will wait until after the Europa Conference League to make a move for Declan Rice.

West Ham are into the final, and Arsenal wish to show respect before making their bid.

The story claims: “Rice, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer.

“The West Ham skipper has been earmarked for a £100million transfer.

“With reports suggesting Arsenal have a summer war chest of £200m, it is a fee they could afford.

“However, talks between the two parties will not begin until June at the earliest.”

United ‘keeper set to join Rangers

Manchester United may see both of their current senior goalkeepers leave this summer.

David de Gea could be on his way, and the Daily Mail reports on-loan Jack Butland may make a free transfer move north to Rangers.

The report writes: “Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland is close to agreeing a move to Rangers after showing a willingness to fit into their wage structure.

“The 30-year old, who is currently on loan at Manchester United as cover for David de Gea, was eager to play regular football again but initially his salary was deemed too expensive for Rangers.

“The Scottish side had been scouting a number of alternatives as they did not anticipate reaching an agreement with the former England international.

“However, knowing that Rangers manager Michael Beale really wanted him at Ibrox, Butland has agreed a compromise on his personal terms and is closing on a move north of the border.

“Palace are understood to retain a year’s option on Butland’s contract but Rangers hope he will join them in a free transfer.”

Transfers

Raya, Henderson, Costa and more – contenders to replace De Gea at Man Utd

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Premier League

‘Only Ten Hag can answer that’ – Ferdinand on De Gea future after latest blunder

07/05/2023 AT 21:28

Barca president vows to make every effort to bring Messi back to club

May 15, 2023

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has promised fans that the club will do “everything we can” to re-sign Lionel Messi this summer.

Messi, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain will expire soon, is currently weighing his options for the future, with a return to Barcelona and a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia being the primary choices considered by the player.

However, the financial constraints faced by Barcelona mean that several factors must align for a potential move to materialise. Reports suggest that the Catalan club need to reduce their wage bill by approximately £180 million in order to make significant signings.

Transfers

Barcelona struggle to match huge Al Hilal offer for Messi – Paper Round

13/05/2023 AT 05:22

Laporta emphasised the club’s commitment to securing Messi’s return, stating, “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona,” during an interview with Jijantes FC.

“We are working on next year’s team and hope to reinforce it,” Laporta added.

“We are following an austerity plan to ensure we have enough financial fair play to enhance the team. Our preparations are aimed at having an even more competitive squad next season.”

‘Messi in the air’ – Barcelona fans celebrate club’s 27th La Liga title at Las Ramblas

Laporta also made the case for Messi to join Barcelona over a club in Saudi Arabia, telling TV3 in a separate interview: “With all due respect to Saudi Arabia, where a lot of good work and investment is taking place around the league there, Barca is Barca.

“Barca is his home. Barca can compete with anyone. The history this club has, and the feeling of our 400 million supporters is so strong.

“We are working hard to build a competitive team for next season,” Laporta reiterated. “We will see if La Liga approve our viability plan.”

Messi’s relationship with Laporta has been questioned, with the pair reportedly falling out when the player was forced to leave for PSG in 2021, but the Barcelona president insisted that all was now well between the two.

“I have spoken with him recently to rectify the situation after I had to put the club before everything, even him, the best player in the world,” he explained.

“It was a pleasant conversation. We have recovered the relationship we have had for many years.”

Ligue 1

Messi to start for PSG against Ajaccio to bring an end to exile

12/05/2023 AT 12:25

Transfers

Messi’s father denies Saudi Arabia move is ‘done deal’, says ‘nothing agreed’

09/05/2023 AT 10:27

Pochettino agrees deal to replace Lampard as Chelsea manager – reports

May 14, 2023

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed a deal to take over as manager at Chelsea, according to multiple reports.

The Argentine has been linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge since Graham Potter was sacked in April.

Pochettino looks set to be the fourth manager of the season for Chelsea’s owner Todd Boehly, after he sacked Thomas Tuchel and then Potter, before giving Frank Lampard the job on a temporary basis.

Transfers

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Lampard lost his first six matches in charge in his second spell, and on Saturday the club slumped to a disappointing 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Reports suggest that while a deal is agreed, nothing is yet official, with nothing signed.

Pochettino has been without a job after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer after struggling in Europe with the French team.

The former Tottenham, Southampton and Espanyol manager was one of several names linked with the vacancy, and now appears to have beaten Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and others to the appointment.

The 51-year-old coach will have a tough task over the summer as he looks to reshape a squad that had £600 million spent on it over the year, but remain rooted in mid-table.

The club need a main striker to lead the line, but they also will need to trim their squad while raising funds, in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations in the coming years.

Another problem is the potential exit of Mason Mount, who is out of contract next summer and is heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer as Jurgen Klopp attempts a rebuild of his own.

Pochettino started his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009 before quickly moving on to Southampton, and then Tottenham. He took the club to a Champions League final in 2019 – losing to Liverpool – and was unable to win a trophy for the North London side.

Premier League

Lampard ‘not happy’ with ‘too slow’ Chelsea after draw with Forest

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Transfers

Chelsea closing in on Pochettino and Onana deals – Paper Round

06/05/2023 AT 05:31