'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are plotting to get the better of Auxerre when the two sides lock horns on Sunday (May 21) in Ligue 1. Christophe Galtier’s team will be desperate for a win as they inch closer to the league title.
Meanwhile, the Parisians have been advised to appoint AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho as their next manager. Elsewhere, Hugo Ekitike wants to stay at the Parc des Princes.
On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on May 21, 2023:
PSG advised to appoint Jose Mourinho
Former PSG midfielder Eric Rabesandratana has urged the club to appoint Jose Mourinho as Christophe Galtier’s successor.
The Portuguese manager has done quite well at AS Roma, taking them to another European final. Mourinho is reportedly being eyed as a replacement for Galtier at Paris, with the French manager likely to be sacked this summer.
Speaking on France Bleu Paris, Rabesandratana said that Mourinho is the right man to take the Parisians forward.
“I think Marquinhos has never been a problem for PSG. He’s a player we can keep. Today, it is the sports project that we are waiting for. We are talking about Jose Mourinho. He will play his sixth European Cup final. He won five. That means there is a method,” said Rabesandratana.
He added:
“We like it, or we don’t like it, but there is something consistent. We can criticise his game, (and) we can not like it, but he brings rigour. Today, I am campaigning for the arrival of Jose Mourinho at PSG.”
Mourinho could be tempted to take charge in Paris and attempt to create history by guiding the Ligue 1 champions to an elusive European triumph.
Hugo Ekitike wants to stay
Hugo Ekitike is not looking to leave the Parc des Princes this summer, according to Foot Mercato via PSG Talk.
The French striker has struggled for game time this season, registering four goals and as many assists in 30 games across competitions. However, his stock remains high, with several Bundesliga clubs eager to secure his services.
RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg are eyeing the 20-year-old with interest. Ekitike could be tempted to move this summer in search of regular football. However, the Frenchman remains keen to fight for his place at PSG next season.
He's unfazed by the competition for places at the Parc des Princes and is determined to help bring success to the club.
Marquinhos extends stay with Parisians
Marquinhos has signed a new deal with PSG that will keep him at the club till 2028.
The Brazilian defender has been a rock at the back for the Ligue 1 champions, so the club have decided to end any speculation regarding his future. The 29-year-old has helped the club keep 13 clean sheets in 42 appearances across competitions this season.
After penning an extension, Marquinhos told PSGTV that he's proud to represent the Parisians.
"I am very happy. This is a very special moment for me, for my life, for my family life. I am very happy to announce this contract extension but also very proud. Paris Saint-Germain have always given me a lot of confidence, and I also have a lot of confidence in this club. I am happy here. I think we can achieve a lot of great things, and I hope we will succeed in doing so,” said Marquinhos.
He continued:
“Yes, it was very easy (decision to renew), both for me and for the club. I think both sides were going in the same direction. There was desire on both sides, and we didn't think about anything else."
The Brazilian also added that he remains determined to bring more success to the Parc des Princes.
“I want to take Paris Saint-Germain as far as possible, as far as possible, which means that we want titles, to see the club evolve, to have even more supporters, people, children who watch us on television, in the stadium. And I think that's the overall goal I want to achieve in these coming years with Paris,” said Marquinhos.
Marquinhos could have a new defensive partner next season, with Milan Skriniar likely to arrive at the Parc des Princes this summer.
