'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABfAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcQAAICAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxEABAUGBwgSFSEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQRAAEFAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMEIRET/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDC9/6d8u0c0cUe8QzQzI6gOzKVYKWu1Q/BVC8v9N2779PpoZTzhEMkasV9Qr1YuvIzC8YwUEjpakL3kFxGngQ4blnT6HQO4F//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are close to retaining their Ligue 1 title. Christophe Galtier’s team are leading the title race after 35 games, and a win against Ajaccio will bring them within touching distance of winning the competition.
Meanwhile, Parisians attacker Lionel Messi’s father has rubbished claims of an agreement in place with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal. Elsewhere, attacker Rafael Leao wants striker Kylian Mbappe at AC Milan.
On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on May 9, 2023:
Lionel Messi hasn't agreed deal with Al Hilal, says father
Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi has brushed aside reports of his son's agreement to move to Al Hilal this summer.
The 35-year-old’s contract with PSG expires at the end of the season, but he hasn’t signed an extension yet. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is heavily linked with an exit from Paris, with Barcelona and Inter Miami eager to secure his signature.
Recent reports have claimed that Messi has agreed a blockbuster deal to move to Al Hilal. However, taking to social media, Jorge Messi rubbished the claims.
“There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will not be made before Lionel finishes the season with PSG. Once the season is over, it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision,” wrote Jorge Messi.
He continued:
“There are always rumours, and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety, but there is only one truth, and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Not verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.”
Messi’s father went on to slam the media for sharing the news without verifying the claims.
“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media that do their due diligence, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims and want to turn any malicious rumour into news or that is directed by someone in favour of their interests,” wrote Jorge Messi.
He concluded:
“They will have to explain why they do not double-source their information. … they do not want a truth to ruin their ‘news’.”
Messi’s suspension has been revoked by the Parisians, so he could return to the starting XI against Ajaccio.
Rafael Leao wants Kylian Mbappe at AC Milan
Rafael Leao wants Kylian Mbappe to join him at AC Milan. The French forward has consistently been one of the finest players in the world for a while.
He signed a new deal with PSG last summer but is linked with a move away from Paris. Real Madrid failed to prise him away last year but remain keen to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Parisians want him to stay, but the 24-year-old will have the option to leave on a Bosman move next summer.
Speaking recently, Leao expressed his admiration for Mbappe and also added that the Frenchman loves Milan.
“He’s the best player I’ve met. He is already a fan of the Rossoneri; he should come to Milan!” said Leao.
PSG are expected to rebuild their squad around Mbappe this summer to convince him to continue his stay at the club.
PSG willing to sanction cut-price move for Neymar this summer
PSG are ready to allow Neymar to go for a reduced fee this summer, according to Foot Mercato via PSG Talk.
The Brazilian forward has failed to live up to expectations since joining the Parisians in 2017. The Ligue 1 champions are planning to rebuild their squad around young French talents this summer and want to cash in on the 31-year-old.
Neymar is also ready to leave the Parc des Prince, as he's aware that PSG have been trying to offload him for a year. The Brazilian was also least pleased with the recent protest by club fans outside his home.
His contract runs till 2027, which means the Ligue 1 champions hold all the cards in any negotiations. However, the Parisians are ready to let him leave on a cut-price deal to remove his massive €56.36 million annual salary from their wage bill.
