Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain for the summer of 2022.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Ligue 1 bigwigs PSG have set their sights on Real Madrid defensive mainstay, Ferland Mendy, as a transfer target for the summer transfer window next year.
Mendy spent eight years in the academy of Paris Saint-Germain between 2004 and 2012 before departing for FC Mantois. He had stints at Le Havre and Olympique Lyon before ending up in Madrid in 2019. Initially playing second-fiddle to senior star Marcelo, the 26-year-old took over as the first-choice and is a regular presence in the lineup for Los Blancos.
To date, Mendy has made 76 appearances for Real Madrid, producing a return of three goals and four assists. He has also collected seven caps for the French national team. Reliable and assured defensively and able to provide attacking impetus on the flank, the former Lyon man has proven to be a good fit at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As per the report mentioned above, PSG are plotting a raid to sign him up in the summer of 2022. The interest comes off as a bit strange considering that Les Parisiens already have as many as four options for the left-back slot. Indeed, the French capital outfit can call upon Layvin Kurzawa, Juan Bernat and Abdou Diallo.
In addition to that, PSG also signed Nuno Mendes from Sporting CP in the summer. The youngster arrived on loan initially, with the move set to be made permanent in the summer of next year. Les Parisiens can also rely on academy prospect Teddy Aloh while Achraf Hakimi can also slot in at left-back if need be.
So, the interest in Mendy does not entirely make sense unless PSG are planning to axe some of their current options in the position. The report does mention that the French heavyweights see the 26-year-old Real Madrid star as the ideal mentor for Mendes.
There had been reports claiming that Real Madrid would be open to offloading the French international to generate funds, which had led to talks of a move from Chelsea. But that is not deemed the case now, especially with Marcelo expected to be on his way out of the Bernabeu in the near future.
Real Madrid, however, remain intent on re-signing Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham Hotspur, which could pave the way for PSG to sign Mendy. It remains to be seen if these moves see the light of the day come summer next year.