PSG transfer targets: Born champion amongst five key targets

Paris Saint-Germain have begun 2024/25 without a ‘galactico' in their side for the first time in years, as Kylian Mbappe finally departed this summer. Les Parisiens have enjoyed a fine start, but here are five PSG transfer targets we think could take them up a level.

PSG are unlikely to pursue superstar, luxury attackers in the way they have in the last decade. Another Lionel Messi, Neymar or Mbappe is probably not coming through the door, as the club focus on creating a more cohesive squad and better exploiting domestic talent.

PSG transfer targets: Five to watch

Bernardo Silva

Kicking things off is long-term PSG target Bernardo Silva. The Portugal star has been linked with a move across the English Channel for several seasons.

As mentioned above, PSG are planning for the long-term, building a real team without the same focus on individuals.

No player could better represent the sea-change in Paris as the signing of Silva. The understated 29-year-old has been a key part of Manchester City's dominance for years now, playing a multitude of roles across the pitch.

His dazzling technical quality, tactical intelligence, experience, selflessness and relentless work rate would set the standards for a new era at the Parc des Princes.

Ademola Lookman

After a heroic Europa League final hat-trick, Ademola Lookman was tipped to leave Atalanta this summer. Despite remaining in Bergamo, the 26-year-old is still featured prominently on many clubs' transfer radar, including PSG.

The Nigerian winger has already played in the Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga, to name a few, but could soon add Ligue 1 to his CV.

Les Parisiens are still hunting for new attackers to help fill the major void left by Mbappe, and Lookman would provide the searing pace and finishing Mbappe took with him to Madrid.

Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki lit up Ligue 1 last season, registering 12 goal involvements when just 20 years old. The Olympique Lyonnais midfielder has just one year left on his current deal, which should mean he's available at a cut price in January, or for free next summer.

PSG's recent change in recruitment policy has seen them start to poach the best young talent in Ligue 1, with Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue joining in successive summers. The former has started to make a real impact now Mbappe has departed.

Cherki can play several attacking roles, could be had for next to nothing, and would leave old rivals Lyon with egg on their face.

William Saliba

Lots of praise has been heaped on Arsenal's defence in 2024, with the Gunners looking near invincible at the back. William Saliba has been a key part of that, and the 23-year-old has been noticed by other top European clubs.

Several sources reported that PSG had a scout at the North London Derby, where Saliba was stellar in Arsenal's shutout.

Saliba is from Bondy, the same Parisian suburb that Kylian Mbappe hails from. His signature would be a huge statement of PSG's newfound unashamedly Parisian identity.

However, Saliba is on a long-term contract at Arsenal, and is happy in North London as his club continues to compete for top honours.

Gabriel

As well as Saliba, PSG's scout at the North London Derby was also there to watch his partner, Gabriel.

The Brazilian was man of the match as he smashed a header past the Gunners' arch-rivals. He went on to repeat the trick with a goal at Manchester City a week later.

The left-footed centre-back has emerged as one of the world's best since his 2020 move from Lille, and PSG would like to try and lure him back to France.

But like Saliba, Gabriel will not be in a hurry to leave Emirates Stadium.