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The 20 Ligue 1 clubs have not been particularly busy so far during this transfer window. As it stands, the league has made a combined profit of £8.24m. There is still over a month left for that to change though, of course. Today’s Ligue 1 transfer roundup includes an update on Neymar, Monaco’s interest in Shkodran Mustafi and Rennes’ pursuit of Laurent Koscielny.
PSG lower Neymar asking price
Report: According to Sport, PSG have dropped their asking price for Neymar from €300m (£274.7m) to €180m (£164.8m). However, they are only looking for cash and will not entertain an offer which includes a player exchange.
Verdict: On the pitch, Neymar’s time at PSG has by no means been disappointing. After all, he has scored 51 goals in 58 games for the Ligue 1 champions. Off it, however, it has been a different story. The Brazil international has refused to train with the French club as he looks to move away and has also been banned for three Champions League games following his outburst after Manchester United knocked his team out of the competition in last year’s Round of 16 tie. Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, also wants him to leave, so his exit should be expected.
How likely is the deal? 6/10
Monaco eye Mustafi
Report: L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) is reporting that Monaco are interested in signing Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi this summer. The Gunners apparently value the 27-year-old at around €30m (£27.5m). The Monegasques are said to be preemptively looking to replace Jemerson, who is of interest to AS Roma and Flamengo.
Verdict: Monaco do have a few options at centre-back, but Jemerson, as previously mentioned, could leave, whilst Naldo at 36 should not be expected to be a guaranteed starter. That leaves just 18-year-old Benoit Badiashile and Kamil Glik. Mustafi would give Leonardo Jardim extra depth in defence, at the very least. From an Arsenal perspective, it would be silly to allow the defender to move without a replacement, but with €30m (£27.5m) they should be able to bring someone else in. They will need to move fast, though, as the Premier League transfer window closes on August 8th.
How likely is the deal? 6/10
Koscielny in Rennes talks
Report: Arsenal’s technical director Edu met with Stade Rennais’ president and Laurent Koscielny’s representative on Monday as all parties look to seal the former France international’s transfer to the Ligue 1 club according to David Ornstein. Talks are ongoing, with the 33-year-old not anticipating playing for the Gunners again.
Verdict: Of the two defenders linked with a move away from Arsenal, Koscielny looks the more likely to depart. It is hard to see a way back for him in London after he refused to take part in the Emirates outfit’s pre-season tour of the USA. At 33 years of age, the Gunners captain is not the player he once was and is no longer one of the first names on the teamsheet at the club: last season, he started just 13 games in the Premier League. Now, therefore, may be the perfect time for him to depart. The former Lorient man would be one of five centre-backs at his potential new side, but one would expect him to play a leading role given his top-quality experience. However, Bordeaux are also said to be interested and with nothing confirmed with the Brittany-based club, Les Girondins could still make a move.
How likely is the move? 8/10
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