PSG's summer targets as post Mbappe planning begins

It is a sad day for Paris Saint-Germain as they bid farewell to Kylian Mbappe, the club’s most prolific scorer, a world-class talent, and the pride of French soccer.
But there is a silver lining in the huge amount of money that they can now invest in strengthening the team. Without Mbappe’s massive wages, the Parisians are set to splash the cash this summer in a bold overhaul project. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that they are looking for a high-quality attacker, midfielder, and possibly a long-term successor for Marquinhos in defence.

This has sparked a frenzy of speculation, and so who are the players PSG are likely to pursue once the transfer market opens this summer as they move on from Mbappe? GOAL reveals 11 top candidates…

PSG options after Mbappe's departure

-Rashford

This is not the first time that PSG have shown interest in Rashford, who has been on their radar for a long time. The French giants have been keen to sign the Manchester United forward, who plays on the left wing.
Rashford is a talented player, but he has not been able to fulfil his potential at United. The club is too unstable and unpredictable for players to excel. Even though the recent takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe may bring some calm, Rashford may still struggle to reach his peak at United.

PSG could be a tempting option for Rashford. With Mbappe leaving, Rashford could become the main star, and he would fit well with Luis Enrique’s style of play, which is based on fast and direct counter-attacks. Rashford is most effective when he runs behind the defence and takes on defenders with his pace.
However, it is unlikely that Rashford will leave United. He is loyal to the club, and he signed a lucrative new contract less than a year ago. Despite his poor form in 2023-24, it is doubtful that he will be swayed by the glamour of Paris.

-Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

PSG are reportedly interested in Rashford as a possible replacement for Mbappe, but Leao might be a better fit for that role. The Milan star is different from Mbappe; he’s taller, stronger, and a better passer.
However, they have some common characteristics. Both are great at dribbling, taking on defenders, and exploiting open spaces. And at 24, Leao still has room to improve.
Some doubts need to be addressed. Leao is a good scorer, but he’s never scored more than 20 goals in a season. His ability to play against the defensive teams that PSG often face is also not very clear.
Nevertheless, if PSG wants to sign a big-name left-sided forward who can have the same impact that Mbappe had, then Leao could be that player.

-Victor Osihmen

Osimhen is set to depart Napoli at the end of the campaign - that is certain. The question is, where will he end up? Chelsea and Arsenal appear to be the main contenders, two teams with a clear need for a striker, and Osimhen is the top choice.
But PSG cannot be ruled out. There have been some sporadic reports linking Osimhen with the French giants, with The Athletic being one of the sources that claimed that the Parisians are interested in his services. It helps that football advisor Luis Campos has a history with Osimhen, having signed him when he was at Lille.
The tactical fit is not ideal. Osimhen is best suited as a central forward, and has all the qualities of a modern No.9. His arrival would likely conflict with the signings of Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani - two expensive recruits for the Parisians last summer who have not lived up to expectations.
But if PSG want the best scorer available to replace Mbappe, Osimhen is their man.