Evening Standard
·6. Januar 2025
Evening Standard
·6. Januar 2025
PSG are expected to allow France forward to leave the club on loan this month as Premier League giants circle
Randal Kolo Muani looks set to be among the most prominent names of the January transfer window.
The France international forward is facing an uncertain future at Paris Saint-Germain, who are said to be open to the prospect of allowing him to leave on loan this month.
Kolo Muani has made 14 appearances across all competitions for reigning French champions PSG under Luis Enrique so far this term, scoring twice, but started just two games in Ligue 1 and none in the Champions League.
The 26-year-old has not played at all since early December and has been omitted from the last five matchday squads, including for Sunday’s French Super Cup win over Monaco in Doha.
Quality: Randal Kolo Muani has struggled for PSG but remains a regular starter in attack for France
AFP via Getty Images
Monaco are said to have seen a loan offer for Kolo Muani rejected as they seek a replacement for the injured Folarin Balogun, while Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked with his services, along with other potential suitors such as RB Leipzig and AC Milan.
Which Premier League club needs Kolo Muani the most and where might he fit in best? Standard Sport examines the best destination for a player that has largely struggled to impress at PSG but is still a key asset for France and was a star for previous club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Simon Collings: Arsenal are getting close to the point now that they simply need a body given the injuries they have had in the forward line. Kolo Muani, however, would be much more than that and, if he was available on loan, would be an astute signing.
He would offer Arsenal cover across the forward line and his direct style would give them something different, too. Adding someone with pace and a willingness to run in behind would be beneficial for Arsenal.
Dan Kilpatrick: An experienced forward who can play across the front line is just what Spurs need this month, so Kolo Muani fits the bill - particularly if PSG would consider a loan deal.
Ange Postecoglou's approach relies on direct wingers who can dribble, but Wilson Odobert has barely featured this season due to a hamstring injury.
The returns of Mikey Moore and Richarlison this week should ease the pressure on the squad but the head coach has said there is "no doubt" that Spurs need reinforcements up front.
Malik Ouzia: Chelsea are not expected to move for Kolo Muani this month - or any centre-forward as things stand.
While the club were in the market for a striker last summer, they are happy with the improvement of Nicolas Jackson this season and have Christopher Nkunku as adequate backup, while Enzo Maresca has also said he wants to give youngster Marc Guiu more Premier League minutes in the second half of the campaign.
Chelsea are similarly well-stocked out wide and it would probably take something surprising - like Nkunku leaving - for Muani to come into the equation.