PSG step up pursuit of Barcelona forward after losing out to Real Madrid in Yan Diomande race
· Yahoo Sports
According to SPORT, Paris Saint-Germain have intensified their pursuit of FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres after losing out to Real Madrid in the race to sign Yan Diomande.
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The French champions are now looking to complete their squad as quickly as possible, with Ferran and Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche emerging as their two priority attacking targets.
PSG have already reached an agreement with Akliouche and are now focused on securing Ferran’s approval before opening formal negotiations with Barcelona.
Should both deals be completed, PSG would consider their attacking rebuild finished, with Randal Kolo Muani expected to join Juventus and Bradley Barcola likely to leave for Liverpool.
Diomande deal forces PSG into action
PSG had identified Diomande as their primary target this summer, but Real Madrid’s late intervention changed the course of the transfer.
PSG lost to Real Madrid in race for Diomande. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Although the French club had reached an agreement with the player, they attempted to negotiate a lower fee with RB Leipzig. Los Blancos, by contrast, met the Bundesliga club’s demands and moved quickly to complete the deal.
Losing the winger in the space of 48 hours has prompted PSG to accelerate talks for their remaining transfer targets, with Ferran now at the top of the list.
Luis Enrique wants Ferran
PSG first approached Ferran after completing Goncalo Ramos’ transfer to AC Milan.
Head coach Luis Enrique sees the Barcelona forward as an option to lead the attack, and the player is understood to have shown a willingness to consider leaving the Spotify Camp Nou.
The coming days are expected to be crucial as PSG refine their financial proposal in an effort to reach an agreement with Ferran before formally approaching Barcelona.
Barcelona face difficult decision
What will Ferran decide? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
PSG are prepared to offer Ferran a four-year contract that would significantly improve his current salary at Barcelona.
The Catalan club would prefer to keep the Spain international, but discussions over a new contract are not expected until September, and any improved deal would be on less favourable financial terms than PSG’s proposal.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the player. However, there is growing confidence in Paris that Ferran could be persuaded to make the move, having shown signs that he is open to a new challenge.
The presence of Luis Enrique, together with the coach’s long-term future at PSG, is seen as a significant factor in convincing both the player and his representatives that a move to the French capital would be the right next step in his career.