PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe is reportedly drawing interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal and Tottenham among clubs chasing the Frenchman.
According to France Football, PSG’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt could have repercussions for Presnel Kimpembe. The French defender could lose his starting spot and might thus, look for a move elsewhere. Kimpembe, as per the report, is drawing interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.
Presnel Kimpembe is one of the rare breed who, despite the free flowing cash on arrivals, is an academy graduate who managed to forge a place for himself in the first-team setup and not just as a squad player but a regular face in the team. Kimpembe played in all of PSG’s Champions League games while featuring 24 times for the club in Ligue 1.
But, PSG’s inability to be a force in Europe is likely to see wholesale changes being made to the squad in the current transfer window. Matthijs de Ligt is tipped to be nearing a switch to PSG, despite early news making Barcelona the favourites for the Dutch international.
And if the Ajax captain arrives at Parc des Princes, he is likely to partner Thiago Silva in central defence, which will push Kimpembe out of the starting eleven. The 23-year-old could thus, seek new pastures to restore his status of being a regular starter, which has reportedly attracted the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.
Manchester City want a replacement for captain Vincent Kompany, who is joining Anderlecht in a player-manager capacity. But, City do have John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi, which means Kimpembe is unlikely to be an out-and-out regular under Pep Guardiola.
Tottenham are in a similar situation. Toby Alderweireld is tipped to leave the club. But, Mauricio Pochettino has Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen, with Juan Foyth also coming in handy whenever given the chance. Granted, Kimpembe could still be a starter for Spurs if and when Pochettino deploys a three-man defensive line. But, in pure terms, the Frenchman will be third on the pecking order.
The only club among the ones mentioned where Kimpembe will slot straight into the starting eleven is Arsenal. Sokratis is the only one that has left a lasting impressing on Unai Emery. Shkodran Mustafi is not seen as quality enough to start week-in week-out while Laurent Koscielny is being linked with a move away from the club.
France Football value Kimpembe at €45 million, which could be a fair price for both PSG and the suitors. Arsenal might baulk a bit, but could come in for the 23-year-old if it means bringing in an assured and proven centre-back that has the potential of locking in his spot for the next decade or so.
Football-wise, Arsenal is the only club that makes sense for Kimpembe, given that the Frenchman is likely to seek an exit from PSG in search of regular first-team football. Whether the entire saga does pan out depends on de Ligt’s decision.
