PSG crisis could solve problem at Arsenal, Chelsea or Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• 4 Jan 2024 13:26 GMT
• 4 min read

Kylian Mbappe's future continues to dominate the transfer news at Paris Saint-Germain, but there is another problem the Ligue 1 leaders must urgently tackle.

Mbappe has indicated that he has not made his mind up over his future despite ongoing speculation linking him to Liverpool and Real Madrid, but while the issue of the attacker’s contract is undoubtedly on PSG’s agenda, they have a more urgent need.

During Wednesday’s Trophee des Champions encounter with Toulouse, a match PSG won 2-0, centre-back Milan Skriniar picked up an ankle injury.

The exact extent of the problem has not been ascertained, but it is clear that the defender will miss both legs of the Champions League last-16 encounter with Real Sociedad. Some reports even indicate that his season could be over. The possibility of surgery to correct the problem has certainly not been ruled out.

With Presnel Kimpembe having recently undergone surgery, PSG find themselves chronically short of defensive numbers, even if Nuno Mendes is programmed to return early this year.

Luis Enrique’s side may well need to venture into the transfer market to add another centre-back to their ranks this month and there are several clear options they could target in January.

Raphael Varane – Man Utd

Varane is already on the exit ramp at Man Utd, it’s just a case of when he goes. Having apparently fallen out with manager Erik ten Hag, the World Cup winner will not have his contract, which expires at the end of the season, renewed.

A move back to France has been mooted in the past, yet with PSG now very much in the market for a new central defender, this could be an idea opportunity for Varane to cut ties with Man Utd.

Jakub Kiwior – Arsenal

Kiwior’s move to Arsenal 12 months ago has not worked out. The 23-year-old defender has made only 22 appearances for the Gunners across that period while he has more often than not been a peripheral figure this season.

Clearly not trusted by Mikel Arteta, he had been attracting a good deal of interest from Serie A, but his plans could change if PSG make an approach.

Trevoh Chalobah – Chelsea

Given that Chalobah has not played for Chelsea this season due to physical problems, the prospect of the 24-year-old moving to PSG as injury cover is perhaps a scant one but one that could hold some benefit for the former England U21 centre-back.

Chalobah, after all, is unlikely to find much game time amid the myriad of options that Mauricio Pochettino has at Chelsea.

From PSG’s perspective, he offers a low-cost option who boasts both Champions League and Ligue 1 experience, having featured in France’s top flight on loan at Lorient before breaking through with the Blues.