Though the French champions are more focused on tying down one of their current stars, they could still yet dip into the market this winter
For Paris Saint-Germain this winter, all of the talk surrounds Lionel Messi when it comes to securing a player's signature, rather than adding new faces to the squad at Parc des Princes.
Messi has been coy about his next steps following his World Cup win, though he has hinted at continuing his international career. That might, then, suggest that he is also eyeing another year at the top of European football.
PSG are aiming to keep the Argentine legend around for at least another season, with his current contract set to expire this summer, and ensuring that deal is done is set to be their focus this January.
That doesn't mean, though, that all of PSG's transfer business will be put on hold. As one of the richest clubs in the world, they have the license to shop for pretty much any player at any time.
Manager Christophe Galtier does admittedly still have some holes to fill in the squad, and if a big name comes available, then you can bet the French champions will be involved in the battle to sign them.
So, who are the players most likely to join PSG this January? GOAL has a look…
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Martinelli is nearing the end of his contract at Arsenal, and although the player has expressed his desire to stay at the Gunners, there's no official agreement in place yet.
The lack of a new deal might have opened up an opportunity for some potential suitors, with scattered reports suggesting that PSG are monitoring the situation.
Martinelli would be a massive coup for Galtier's side. He's enjoying his best season in an Arsenal shirt, with seven goal contributions to his name so far, and at 21, his signing would be a massive statement for a PSG side that could have one eye on the next era.
Martinelli could be an option to fill the void that looks likely to be left by Kylian Mbappe before long, and though it would take a massive fee, PSG are one of the few clubs who could pay up for the young Brazilian.
AdvertisementGettyMilan Skriniar (Inter Milan)
Here's a rumour that won't go away. PSG are said to have coveted Inter's star center back since last summer. The club reportedly tabled a €65m (£57m/$69m) offer for the defender, but Inter didn't budge. It was a testy time for PSG, as Galtier was reportedly unhappy with the ownership for botching negotiations.
PSG might try again, but only under the right circumstances. Skriniar's contract expires in the summer, and if the Slovakian defender decides he wants out, the Italian giants might be forced to sell their star center back on the cheap — or risk losing him for nothing in six months. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed that the club have made a big offer to retain the centre-back's services long term, but nothing has been signed. It appears, for now, that it's up to the player.
Getty ImagesYoussoufa Moukoko (Dortmund)
The 18 year old striker has impressed in recent months, with 11 goal contributions to his name so far this season. And a lot of big clubs have taken notice. Barcelona, for one, seem to be in the running, with manager Xavi looking to add another piece to his exciting young group.
But PSG are also in the mix, and might just have an upper hand. Although the teenager's deal expires this summer, Dortmund might be tempted to cash in early — especially if Moukoko plans to decline a new contract. PSG have never been shy with their spending, and will likely be happy to meet whatever demands Dortmund might set.
While it's tricky to see Moukoko getting regular playing time in a lineup that includes Neymar, Mbappe and Messi, he will surely see the pitch off the bench, or maybe in cup competitions. He'll be one for the future, too, especially if PSG's front three move on in short order. At the very least, he can score goals, which will be invaluable wherever he ends up.
GettyJoao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
A free roaming young talent, Joao Felix didn't seem like a logical fit for a rigid Atletico side. And he's never really settled under Diego Simeone. Felix has only made 74 starts since moving to Madrid nearly four seasons ago. And although he's impressed in spells, the electric youngster seen at Benfica in 2018-19 has started to fade.
That all changed at the World Cup, though. Felix was a standout for Portugal, thriving alongside Bruno Fernandes in a fluid front three. His best performance came in Portugal's 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland, where he assisted two in the win.
And now, interest across Europe is supposedly heating up. PSG might make sense, if only as a long term cover for when one or more of the club's attacking players move on. Furthermore, reports suggest that Felix is keen to play in Paris. PSG are also one of the few clubs that can afford the €130 million (£113m/$138m) that Atleti are reportedly demanding for his services.