Paris Saint-Germain is coming off a 9-0 win against Troyes to earn the club another Ligue 1 title. However, instead of celebrating, the club is dealing with uncertainty around one of its biggest stars. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored four goals in the win over Troyes, but the Swedish international told the media after the game that he would not be returning to PSG next season with a Premier League transfer on the horizon.
Ibrahimovic has been playing this season on an expiring contract. He continues to be a leader on PSG with 101 Ligue 1 goals for the club. He is a major reason why it remains alive in Champions League play, but a contract extension is not in the cards for the 34-year-old.
"I have always had great relationship with everybody, no question about it. But, for the moment, I am not at PSG next year," Ibrahimovic said. "I have one-and-a-half months to stay here. I will enjoy it while I'm still here. What happens next year, I don't know - but for the moment, I will not be here. I don't believe they can change the Eiffel Tower for my statue, even the people behind the club. But if they can, I will stay here - I promise you."
PSG president Al-Khelaifi made it clear that the club will attempt to retain Ibrahimovic, but the striker has potentially already made up his mind about where he intends to play next season. Pressure is growing for him to head to the Premier League with several clubs preparing to make a run at him. After playing for Barcelona and Inter milan, Premier League play is the last bit of football the striker has left to conquer.
Arsenal is preparing to make a run at Ibrahimovic, especially after he confirmed his exit with PSG. With the striker being a free transfer, the list of interested Premier League clubs will be lengthy, but Arsenal reportedly sits at the top of the list. Gunners' legend Thierry Henry made it clear that the team must make a run at Ibrahimovic to help rebuild after this year's disastrous season.
"I hear that Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to come," Thierry said. "I think a lot will depend on if we finish in the top four, are we going to make the Champions League and attract that sort of player? You know that Zlatan can do a job and N'Golo Kante can do a job for us - I'm sure Leicester fans will be upset with what I said. But those are the kind of guys that we know about that we must try and get."
Manchester United is sure to chase Ibrahimovic once he becomes available. Liverpool will also make a run at the striker considering Jurgen Klopp's relationship with him. Ibrahimovic is still very valuable for a club and England will come calling as a result.
