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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are preparing to travel to Stade Bollaert-Delelis to face Pays de Cassel in the round of 32 of the French Cup. Christophe Galtier's men are coming off a 5-4 win over Riyadh XI on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard reckons Lionel Messi deserved the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Elsewhere, the Parisians are keeping a close eye on Milan Skriniar.
On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on January 20, 2023:
Lionel Messi deserves World Cup, says Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard recalls cheering like a puppy after Lionel Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 35-year-old enjoyed a sensational outing with the national team in Qatar last month. The PSG superstar inspired Argentina to their third World Cup, leading the charge like a true captain.
La Albiceleste rode Messi's mesmerising form to go all the way at the 22nd edition of the greatest spectacle in the world. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists in seven games.
Rijkaard had given the 35-year-old his Barcelona debut almost two decades ago and recently opened up on his former player's success.
In an interview with Helden Magazine, as cited by PSG Talk, the Dutch manager said that he watched the final as a Messi fan.
"It’s not like tears rolled down my cheeks after the World Cup final, but I cheered like a puppy because Messi had done it. I was watching the final between Argentina and France, mainly as a Messi fan. I think he got what he wanted. He deserved (it)," said Rijkaard.
The Argentinean has appeared 21 times across competitions for the Parisians this season, scoring 13 goals and setting up 14 more.
PSG eyeing Milan Skriniar
PSG are monitoring Milan Skriniar’s situation with interest, according to Relevo via PSG Talk.
The Slovakian international is in the final six months of his contract with Inter Milan but is yet to sign a new deal. The Serie A giants could be tempted to offload him for a nominal fee this month to avoid losing the player for free in the summer.
The Parisians are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old but failed to prise him away from Italy last summer.
With Sergio Ramos set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Parisians are likely to step up their efforts to secure Skriniar. The Slovakian is unwilling to sign a new deal with the Nerazzurr, who're expected to come to a decision regarding Skriniar future in the coming days. If he continues to stall, a move could materialise this month.
The Ligue 1 champions have been patient in their approach so far, and their efforts could finally bear fruit soon.
Mauro Icardi wants to extend Galatasaray stay
Mauro Icardi wants to continue his association with Galatasaray, according to Turkish journalist Mehmet Ozcan via PSG Talk.
The Argentinean forward joined the Turkish club last summer in a final attempt to resurrect his faltering career. The move has paid dividends so far, with the 29-year-old hitting the ground running. Icardi has amassed five goals and four assists in nine games for Galatasaray so far, prompting talk of a permanent stay.
The Argentinean is happy in Istanbul and wants to stay beyond this season. The Turkish club are also ready to sign him on a permanent basis and want the Parisians to decide on their asking fee.
The Ligue 1 champions remain keen to offload Icardi, who's not part of the plans for the future at the Parc des Princes. The French side are likely to let him go for around €17.5 million.
