Calling True or False on 3 Recent PSG Transfer Rumours
Whether the transfer window is open or closed, you're never far away from a rumour—especially when you're Paris Saint-Germain.
The big move this summer was to finally acquire the services of Angel Di Maria from Manchester United, which proved that the Parisians are still willing to bid big when they have their sights set on a player.
Most of the club's business will be done again next summer—with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract set to complete at the end of June—but that won’t stop players being linked with moves to and from the French capital come January.
Here we call true or false on three recent transfer rumours.
Marquinhos to Chelsea
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Ever since Marquinhos made the move from AS Roma, his excellent performances have linked him with moves away from the Parc des Princes. A number of clubs were apparently interested in the summer, and Tom Olver of the Metro suggested that Chelsea will make a winter move for the centre-back, as Jose Mourinho tries to solve the problems within his squad.
Marquinhos is still a third-choice defender behind Thiago Silva and David Luiz, but with the former Chelsea man picking up an injury while away on duty for Brazil, the 21-year-old will get another chance to start for the club.
He has a bright future ahead of him, but he needs to be playing first-team football more often. He made 21 starts last campaign, and that needs to be matched this season to keep him happy.
There is no doubting the interest from Chelsea—any top club would be interested in a player of his ability. However, it is very unlikely that PSG, with a tough Champions League campaign ahead, will sell him in January.
Verdict: False
The Departure of Adrien Rabiot
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At just 20 years old, Adrien Rabiot has started 36 games over four seasons in Ligue 1. For his mother Veronique, it’s still not enough.
Last season, the midfielder didn’t play for PSG until Week 14 due to an ongoing contract dispute. Once both the player and his mother were satisfied with the plans from the club, he finally put pen to paper—but trouble still exists.
In June, via Canal Supporters (h/t ESPN FC), his mother and agent suggested that the player would need to be playing 35 games a season to progress properly. PSG were always keen to hold on to the youngster, but according to L’Equipe, their opinion may have finally changed.
After arriving late for training before the Coupe de France final, the player has been apparently taking liberties with the "house rules." As a result, the daily newspaper reports that PSG might not be so opposed to opening negotiations with interested parties.
Laurent Blanc gave Rabiot a start in the season opener against Lille, the youngster was then sent off before the half-hour mark. PSG's patience seems to have run out.
Verdict: True
Antonio Conte to Replace Laurent Blanc
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Just like PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer, Ibrahimovic, Laurent Blanc’s contract is up at the end of the season, and there are huge doubts that he will be handed a new deal.
The Parisian powers that be won’t be interested in extending the Frenchman’s stay unless he at least takes PSG to the semi-finals of the Champions League and records more domestic success, via Le Parisien (h/t 101 Great Goals).
Considering the volatile nature of the knockout competition, there are many factors that could see the club fall short of that goal. La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) are reporting that the French club have shown interest in bringing in Italian national team coach Antonio Conte as his replacement.
The 46-year-old apparently charged his agents with checking the foreign championships for possible destinations. After Carlo Ancelotti took PSG to the title in his first full season, it wouldn’t be a shock to see another Italian take over at the Parc des Princes.
Blanc has been hanging on by a thread ever since he took the job—this could be his last season in charge of PSG.
Verdict: True
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