Latest Transfer news and rumours – Pogba and Kimpembe Exits

Updated: 6th February 2023

Speculations are rife of a Paul Pogba exit from Manchester United with the 26-year old World Cup winner expressing a desire to try out options other than Old Trafford at a press conference in Tokyo some days ago. The United management is vocal about Pogba staying put with them this oncoming season. But then, tactically speaking, if they are to say anything otherwise, it would simply reduce the potential transfer fee for the French midfielder. United would secretly like a situation where more than one club seek out Pogba, thus creating a bidding war. Although there are reports that clubs like Juventus, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid are showing interest in him, they are not exactly concrete. The United management want a younger and hungrier set of players rather than the familiar trend of huge wages and payouts for supposedly big names. Buying young and homegrown players is a new trait that seems to mark United's strategy for the season for a start. The signing of 21-year old Yorkshire-born Swansea winger, Daniel James, is a case in point.

Pogba's recent rantings to the press could be a tactic on his part, though, to force Manchester United to sell him or get a better deal if he were to stay. The Frenchman has still two years to go before his contract ends at Old Trafford. But all this means that the developments surrounding the midfielder have just made him the “front and center of this summer’s transfer window” as Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth remarked in one of his recent interviews.

Rumours swirling around 19-year old Ajax captain and wonder boy Matthijs de Ligt could come to rest with the central defender reportedly turning down a move to Barcelona or Manchester United despite the two clubs agreeing to a favorable fee. Barcelona have already secured the services of fellow club-mate and compatriot, Frenkie De Jong and it was rumored that De Ligt would follow suit, but the latest reports suggest that PSG are now the front-runners for his signature.

The arrival of the Dutch teenager in Paris could see Presnel Kimpembe's role at PSG considerably reduced. The 23-year-old defender has often been compared to team-mate Thiago Silva and is regarded highly among several Premier League sides. Kimbele could consider his future at the club if De Ligt were to join and could be available for just £40 million which seems a very attractive proposition for English teams. The central/left back has considerable experience having participated in three European campaigns and finding a place in the French national team. Arsenal seems to have made the first move, reportedly contacting Kimpembe’s father over a possible transfer.

If PSG do give the green signal for Kimpembe to leave, Arsenal can expect to battle it out with several clubs for the player’s signature. The young Frenchman could eventually be smiling all the way to the bank thanks to the clamour over de Ligt.

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