Arsenal have begun exploring the conditions needed to sign Leandro Paredes at the end of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain likely to sell the Tottenham Hotspur transfer target.
That’s according to Calciomercato.it, who note PSG have an unwritten list of stars who are available for moves this summer. The Ligue 1 giants are eager to refresh their ranks in the off-season, as well as a potential change from manager Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout.
Paredes features prominently on their chopping block as his contract at Le Parc des Princes expires in 2023. Les Parisiens will likely have to consider offering the Argentine a new deal if he were to stay, at least in order to protect the 27-year-old’s market value for next year.
Paris Saint-Germain currently plan to value Paredes at €25m (£21m), should any club try to open negotiations. But PSG are likely to warm to bids closer to €20m (£16.5m), despite the 44-cap midfielder costing €40m (£33.5m) plus €5m (£4m) in add-ons on his arrival in 2019.
Paredes is, likewise, preparing for a new challenge after three-and-a-half seasons in France following his move from Zenit St Petersburg. He would not snub a chance to return to Italy, either, after playing for Chievo Verona, Roma and Empoli before moving to Russia in 2017.
Arsenal now exploring Leandro Paredes after PSG ace snubbed Tottenham in January
Juventus may offer Paredes his path back to Italy as the Turin giants do not give up in their interest. The Bianconeri explored signing the €5m-a-season (£80k-a/w) ace in January, but the Serie A side could not agree to terms. Now, they are willing to re-open talks with PSG.
Massimiliano Allegri is a very keen admirer of the defensive midfielder, making a return to Italy highly possible. But Arsenal are also now exploring the conditions for a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Paredes’ transfer, yet trail Tottenham in offering him a route to England.
Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has also admired the Boca Juniors product since his time with Roma. But his respect failed to pay dividends in January, as The Athletic reported Paredes snubbed a transfer to Tottenham during talks over Tanguy Ndombele joining PSG.
Now, Arsenal may deal north London rivals Tottenham a blow in the summer transfer sales by signing Paredes from Paris Saint-Germain, if they edge Juventus, as well. A move would see Gunners technical director Edu hand Mikel Arteta an operator hailed for his vast skills.
“I have always said that I found this player to be super strong,” ex-PSG midfielder Fabrice Pancrate told Le Parisien. “He’s smart, technical, aggressive in a good way and he’s not just a nasty gamer. He is also beautiful to watch.”
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