PSG Sporting Director Leonardo has confirmed that he plans on opening new contract talks with reported Leeds United target Julian Draxler.
The German was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road this summer, and with Draxler admitting that he thought about leaving PSG in the last transfer window, United were certainly in with a chance of landing their man.
However, it now looks unlikely that he’s going to be on the move anytime soon, with Leonardo stating that he’s planning on intensifying contract talks with the German.
“We’ve started negotiations with Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria to extend their contracts,” Leonardo said in a Q&A session on PSG’s official website. “Bernat, too, and Draxler is at the end of his contract. Some young people too. We will intensify this.”
However, he would then go on to speak about PSG’s financial issues, hinting that a new contract for Draxler may be a bit more complicated than usual.
“Remember that PSG suffered financial losses this year, we’re in a complicated moment and it’s not easy, but we’re talking directly with Mbappe and Neymar.
“There is a question of timing. The idea of an extension exists. We have arrived at the moment when we must have clearer situations.”
It’s clear that PSG’s priorities lie with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and it’s easy to understand why that is the case.
The pair are amongst the best players in the world, and while Draxler is still a fantastic footballer, he’s not the most vital cog in the PSG machine.
The Ligue 1 champions seem keen to get a deal done with Draxler, but the financial issues the pandemic has forced upon them seem to be complicating the matter slightly.
Whether or not this obstacle opens the door for Leeds to broker some sort of deal for the midfielder remains to be seen, but it’s one worth keeping an eye on.
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