Coverage of Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer window has been mainly focused around Kylian Mbappé, and who will come in to replace him in case of his departure. However, a big part of PSG’s success this season will depend on whether they can get rid of their fringe players, in order to bring more quality players that can help them go to the next level in the Champions’ League. One of those players in Leandro Paredes.
After spending a season on loan at Juventus, which saw him start only 14 times for the Turin side, the Argentinian is back in the French capital, hoping to find an exit door. According to the Evening Standard, that exit destination might be Chelsea, where his former manager Mauricio Pochettino has taken over the head coach position.
After pursuing Moises Caicedo from Brighton for the past six months, it seems the board at Stamford Bridge are exploring other alternatives, in order to fill the defensive midfielder position alongside Enzo Fernandez.
Paredes is not the exact prototype of player that has arrived at Chelsea over the past year, not fitting the bill of young and exciting talent for the future. However, while depth is of importance here, Pochettino would also like to improve the experience of his side. His former player could bring exactly that, winning the World Cup with Fernandez back in December, on top of a very tough mentality and ruggedness in midfield.
In the case of a departure of Connor Gallagher, the midfield would be depleted and Chelsea would be keen to bring in two midfielders by the end of the window. Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, Leeds’ Tyler Adams and Everton’s Amadou Onana are all on the list for the defensive cover, while Celta Vigo’s attacking talent Gabi Veiga could also be on the radar.
