Fabrizio Romano has explained whether Manchester United have a realistic chance of signing a Paris Saint-Germain midfielder this summer.
INEOS' midfield rebuild has seen them swoop for Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million. They have focused on strengthening this area of Michael Carrick's squad following Casemiro's departure.
A third midfield signing is anticipated, and several names are on the shortlist, including AS Roma's Manu Kone. Reports in France claim that the Red Devils are also eyeing one of French football's most highly-rated youngsters.
Romano: Man Utd's Zaire-Emery Interest is a 'Dream'
Zaire-Emery
United have reportedly been weighing up a £57 million bid for Warren Zaire-Emery, who has been earning rave reviews at PSG. The 20-year-old shone at the Parc des Princes last season, earning a call-up to France's squad for the World Cup.
Zaire-Emery isn't always a guaranteed starter, though, because of the many options Luis Enrique possesses in midfield. That may well have given the Red Devils hope of a possible deal for a player super agent Jorge Mendes has labelled 'one of the best midfielders in the world'.
Romano has now given an update on United's interest in the Frenchman while speaking on his YouTube channel:
"We have links with Warren Zaire-Emery but my understanding is that Paris Saint-Germain are not planning to change anything in midfield. So PSG want to stay with the players they have in midfield right now. They got a new deal done for Fabian Ruiz. They are working on several things at the club. But at the moment in midfield, they are very happy with the department they have.
Zaire-Emery rose through the youth ranks at PSG before enjoying a meteoric rise when debuting at senior level. He's expected to be one of France's key men for years to come, and as such, the Parisians don't seem willing to part ways.
Romano added: "So at the moment, the Zaire-Emery story is difficult, is complicated. Then, if Man United at some point will enter the race for Zaire-Emery, I will be here and tell you. But at the moment, I will mention Zaire-Emery more as a kind of dream target than a real target for Manchester United."
Zaire-Emery, dubbed "generational", appeared 54 times across competitions last season and started 27 of 32 Ligue 1 games for Enrique's champions. He didn't start the UEFA Champions League final win over Arsenal, coming on during extra time.
The 13-cap France international has three years left on his contract, so clearly PSG are under no pressure to decide his future. Even if United did manage to agree on a deal with the club, there's no guarantee he can be persuaded to leave the French capital.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Man Utd Clearly Have to Break The Bank For Zaire-Emery
Warren Zaire-Emery in action for PSG
Warren Zaire-Emery in action for PSG
Romano is spot on when he calls Zaire-Emery a 'dream target' for United, and given the current market, it seems unlikely they will spend big on the young Frenchman. A £57m offer would likely fall well short of PSG's valuation of the player given his age, profile and potential.
Does Zaire-Emery tick all the boxes for Carrick? Absolutely, but it feels like INEOS will be fighting a losing battle pursuing his signature. What will frustrate the fanbase is watching big six rivals spend £100m+ on top targets while the Red Devils resist breaking their transfer record for a marquee Casemiro replacement.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on after Premier League win against Nottingham Forest Related
Man Utd Prioritising Move to Sign Man City Duo in 'Aggressive' Transfer Plan
Manchester United are prioritising a move to sign a Manchester City duo.
That's not to say that the PSG star is the Brazilian's heir, but he is a player you go all in for. So as it stands, a deal is unlikely unless they can convince the Ligue 1 club to sell with a big-money offer.