Blanc wants Chelsea first-teamer but Barcelona makes most sense

PSG may have pretty much coasted to the French title last season, but with a new challenger forming in big-spending Monaco, they certainly can’t be caught resting on their heels.

While Monaco have been acquiring the likes of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, PSG have been stuck trying to solve their managerial conundrum.

Even without the services of Carol Vorderman this has finally been achieved, with the long search to replace the want-away Carlo Ancelotti being arduous to say the least, with countless knockbacks despite their own wealth.

Laurent Blanc has now signed a two-year deal though and the transfer market can be played again to strengthen the PSG squad to the level required to thwart Monaco’s assault on their title.

Wayne Rooney’s name is one name that has unsurprisingly been linked and it is 7/4 that the England striker is a PSG player by the closing of the summer transfer window.

However, there are other Premier League players and those from other European leagues that Blanc seems to prefer and considers more of a priority.

Dani Alves and Axel Witsel are both on this list, alongside Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Luiz is valued at Chelsea and is considered in some circles to be a future club captain, but his desire to be involved in attacking phases of play and the reputation he has, perhaps unfairly, gained for being riddled with mistakes have brought concerns over his future.

Few could argue that Luiz is not ideally suited to Barcelona, who like their defenders to be comfortable on the ball, press on into midfield with possession to instigate attacks and almost regard defending as a last resort.

PSG are not the same force in terms of dominating possession in matches and limiting the shots on goal of opposition, but their class advantage over many of the other outfits in Ligue 1 should allow Luiz to express himself to a greater degree.

The fact that fellow Brazilian central defender Thiago Silva is already at PSG should be of further assistance, as he will be well aware of Luiz’ tendencies.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.