da bet7： PSG have a number of choices to consider as the best possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who could be on his way out in the summer.
da apostebet： How on earth do PSG replace Mbappe? The 24-year-old is one of the best players in the world, a completely unique footballer. There is no equivalent talent, or archetype of player. And if there was, he certainly wouldn't be for sale, no matter how deep PSG's pockets are.
But there are some elements of Mbappe to be found in a handful of players around Europe. If he does leave, the French club will need a top-class goalscorer, who is capable of working in new manager Luis Enrique's possession-heavy style. Their next striker will ideally be young, a player already among Europe's best but who can still be developed further. He should also, preferably, be French.
That narrows the list considerably but there are still a few options that meet some of the aforementioned criteria. This summer's market is an interesting one, there are a number of talented No.9s between the ages of 22-25 that are expected to be available, but all of them have price tags near €100 million (£86m/$110m), and their current clubs wouldn't necessarily be in any great rush to get rid of them.
Still, it is widely assumed that the departure of one could lead to a domino effect of sorts. And, ironically, PSG could start the firesale. The Parisians have reached an impasse with Mbappe, who looks likely to leave sometime in the next six weeks. With the player in open revolt against the club and its owner — and pre-season yet to start — a move in the near future makes sense.
And once he's gone, the pieces across Europe will likely shift. So, which striker will PSG likely buy to cope with Mbappe's departure? GOAL takes a look at their best options…
(C)Getty Images8Neymar
Should PSG be forced to part with Mbappe, it will be considered a massive failure in the transfer market if they do not bring in an outright goalscorer to step straight in. That said, if signing a replacement is proving a struggle, new boss Luis Enrique could tinker with his line-up and push Neymar to a more advanced role. That would perhaps take away some of the 31-year-old's creativity, but the Brazilian has never had difficulty finding the back of the net.
Indeed, if PSG are outbid for one of their top targets, and deem that the handful of other options on the market are too pricey, Neymar could comfortably score 20 goals in Ligue 1. It's worth noting, though, that the Brazilian may not be open to such a role — though the choice won't necessarily be his. Consider this one a last resort, then.
AdvertisementGetty7Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian's career seems to be up in the air at this point. Lukaku is still technically a Chelsea player, although that looks likely to end soon. Inter are reportedly interested in bringing him back to Milan, and the striker would seemingly be more than happy to carry out that move. Still, Chelsea have asked for more than the Champions League finalists have offered to date, rejecting a €30m (£26m/$33m) bid outright.
PSG are in need of a more natural striker, and they have shown some interest in Lukaku before – although they never made a proper offer for his services. This is admittedly an imperfect fit, Lukaku isn't as mobile as the other options PSG are reportedly prioritising, and his struggles in big games are concerning. But this is an expensive striker market. There are not often discounts in football for No.9s that can be counted on for 15 goals plus per season. And while it's laughable that Chelsea's €40m (£47/$50m) asking price is considered cut-rate these days, this one makes sense – if only on a short-term basis.
Getty6Harry Kane
Tottenham do not want to sell Kane – that much is clear. But the England captain is yet to indicate that he will pen a new contract to extend his stay at the club beyond the 2023-24 season. The two parties are at an impasse, then. It makes no sense to let their best player – and most valuable asset – leave for free. But Kane is a game-changing talent, and Spurs' best opportunity to ensure they stay in contention for European football next season.
Bayern Munich remain keen but, having lodged two bids for the striker which were far off the London club's valuation of the player, there might be an opportunity here for PSG. Indeed, Spurs will not sell Kane to a Premier League rival and while it remains to be seen if they're going to be as picky when it comes to sides in Europe, the competition shouldn't be vast. Real Madrid want, and will likely get, Mbappe. Barcelona do not need another striker. Borussia Dortmund can't afford him, and it's difficult to see an Italian club making a serious push.
PSG need a striker, ideally a creative one who can bang in the goals, and they've got the money to get it done. Kane would well be their man.
Getty5Rasmus Hojlund
This one would likely break Manchester United hearts. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in a deal for the Denmark international, although they could find themselves priced out – especially if PSG are willing to pay Atalanta's supposed €100 million (£85m/$110m) valuation of the striker.
And there's a tactical fit here, too. Hojlund is strong and quick, while his finishing continues to improve. His nine Serie A goals don't stand out but the Danish international didn't exactly benefit from regular service. With more chances coming his way, he will score more goals. And with the likes of Neymar and Marco Asensio to feed him, those goalscoring opportunities should come in bunches.
His relative inexperience is perhaps of concern – Hojlund won't turn 21 until February 2024. Still, this is a signing for the present and future, with Hojlund potentially developing into a top European striker someday. That's worth taking a chance on.