Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi has dismissed speculation that that they could move for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.
Speaking in quotes reported by La Stampa, Al-Khelaifi acknowledged the quality of players in Italy — including the Argentina international — but suggested that there are no plans to try to sign him anytime soon.
“It is true that there are a lot of good players in Serie A, not only Dybala,” Al-Khelaifi said. “If we are interested, we will contact Juve.
“I can tell you that Dybala is not key to PSG’s future at this time.”
There has also been speculation that Chelsea’s Antonio Conte could take over from current coach Unai Emery and Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with a return to the club.
A source recently told ESPN FC that PSG are paying particular attention to Conte — as well as Andre Villas-Boas and Jose Mourinho — ahead of crucial months coming up for Emery and his players, but Al-Khelaifi said he was happy with Emery.
“Conte or Ancelotti at PSG?” Al-Khelaifi said. “In Italy you have good players, good clubs and good tacticians.
“However, for the moment, we are pleased with our coach, Unai.”
Meanwhile, speaking at his prematch press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Coupe de la Ligue quarterfinal away at Amiens, Emery revealed that the injury suffered by Thiago Motta during Sunday’s 6-1 thrashing of Rennes in the Coupe de France is not serious.
However, Emery is unsure exactly how long the veteran Italian midfielder will be out for.
Emery also took the opportunity to clearly state his opinion that PSG need to invest in a defensive midfielder during the January transfer window.
“Thiago will work his way back from his injury,” he told journalists at Camp des Loges on Tuesday. “It is a small issue, so I hope that he will return soon.
“Regarding transfers, it is [sporting director] Antero [Henrique] who is handling that.”
“I am very happy with the players that I have,” Emery added. “However, we will see if there is need for another No. 6 [defensive midfielder].
“In my opinion, yes, there is — it is Antero, though, who will deal with this.”
A source recently told ESPN FC that PSG are interesting in signing free agent Lassana Diarra as cover for the ageing Motta this month.
Jonathan Johnson covers PSG and the French national team for ESPN FC. Twitter: @Jon_LeGossip.