Man Utd and Chelsea target Matuidi could leave PSG
New PSG boss Unai Emery has admitted that midfielder Blaise Matuidi could leave Paris this summer, if the Frenchman wants to make the move.
Manchester Evening News are reporting that Emery will not stand in Matuidi’s way should he feel he needs to leave the club he has played for since 2011, winning 12 trophies in the process.
He is a very good player. We have a lot of left footed defensive midfielders. If he has the opportunity to leave and if he thinks there are too many midfielders here…But I do not want him to go
Matuidi is believed to be one of the three “faces” Jose Mourinho was referring to when he talked of United making a fourth signing this summer. Although the smoke signals and jungle drums continue to rumble on regarding Paul Pogba in this summer’s transfer saga, it remains to be seen whether the former United academy prospect will make the expected world record fee return to the Carrington pitches where he grew up. Todays reports suggest that his agent Mino Raiola’s €20m commission fee’s are proving a sticking point in the deal as the two clubs argue over who should pay them.
Should Mourinho decide to pull the plug and move on with other options then Matuidi would certainly make sense. His Duracell bunny-esque energy, fearless tackling and direct running whilst on the ball would make him a perfect counter attacking foil for a manager that has built his sides on the foundations of quick transitions between defence and attack.
The player would also cost significantly less than the astronomical figures involved in the Pogba deal, with a fee between £25 – £30m likely to be enough to seal a deal for the 29 year old.
If Mourinho thinks Matuidi represents better value for money then he may have to make his move quickly. Antonio Conte is also casting flirtatious eyes at Matuidi as he continues to rebuild Chelsea’s engine room, having already secured N’Golo Kante from champions Leicester for £32m. Matuidi would fit in perfectly in the sort of high energy midfield three that Conte preaches.
It’s thought Juventus may also hold a slight interest in the player although the possibility of any transfer would likely rest on the outcome of the Pogba deal.