Presnel Kimpembe, a Chelsea target, has stated that he would consider his future with Paris Saint-Germain this summer and that he wants to play a vital part in the squad.
This past season, the Frenchman was skipper Marquinhos’ regular centre-back partner, recording 30 games on route to the Ligue 1 title, however PSG is thought to be prioritizing a new central defender in the summer window.
Inter’s Milan Skriniar is believed to have received a €50 million (£42 million) bid, but the Italian giants are demanding closer to €80 million (£68 million).
If PSG spends such a large sum of money on Skriniar, it is nearly clear that the Slovakian will be a permanent fixture in the back line, replacing Kimpembe.
The 26-year-old indicated earlier in the month that he will meet with the club’s new administration (Luis Campos has taken over as sporting director after Leonardo was fired) to find out what the club’s plans are for him.
Kimpembe, whose contract ends in two years, reiterated his stance on Sunday, claiming that the role he is given next season will determine if he will sign a new contract or not.
Kimpembe at a press conference while on international duty with France said, ‘I said that I was reaching 27 years of age and that my next contract would be decisive’
‘I want to be able to know what the project of the club will look like. I didn’t say anything wrong.
‘I joined the club when I was nine or 10 years old. I think it’s a legitimate question to ask my club about the future project and what role I am going to be given.
‘At the moment, I am focused on the France team and on tomorrow’s match [against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League].’
Mauricio Pochettino is poised to be fired by PSG, despite the club’s title victory last season, raising more doubts about the futures of numerous players who played significant roles under the Argentine coach.
In the meantime, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is looking for a new left-sided centre-back to replace Antonio Rudiger, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, and knows Kimpembe from their time together in Paris.