Arsenal and Manchester City in race for £70m French star | OneFootball

Arsenal and Man City Among Clubs Eyeing £70m PSG Starlet

Zaire-Emery’s Rising Stock in European Football

There are few players in Europe who encapsulate raw potential quite like Warren Zaire-Emery. Still only 19, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is already being discussed in the same breath as football’s most prodigious young stars. According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal are one of four clubs with a genuine interest in signing the teenager, who could be “available for the right price” amid limited game time under Luis Enrique.

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Zaire-Emery’s name carries a certain weight across the continent. He has been heralded by his agent Jorge Mendes as “one of the best midfielders in the world” and a “future Ballon d’Or winner”. Yet, despite his lofty billing, he has struggled for consistent minutes this season, often finding himself behind Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz in the pecking order at PSG.

Arsenal’s Midfield Ambitions Continue

For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, the potential pursuit of Zaire-Emery fits into a broader narrative of building for longevity. The Gunners have already restructured their midfield with the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, replacing Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Zubimendi’s £55 million switch from Real Sociedad was a statement of intent, but Arteta’s system demands constant evolution.

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A player of Zaire-Emery’s profile — dynamic, two-footed, and tactically astute — aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s philosophy. The Frenchman’s ability to operate both as a central and defensive midfielder would provide the balance Arteta values, particularly alongside Declan Rice, whose presence has transformed the club’s defensive resilience.

Transfer Tug-of-War Among Europe’s Elite

Reports suggest Arsenal are not alone in their admiration. Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all keeping close tabs on Zaire-Emery’s situation. Pep Guardiola, described as a “huge admirer of the teenager”, is thought to see him as a natural successor to Rodri in the long term.

A £70 million fee could be enough to tempt PSG into negotiations, though the Ligue 1 champions are in no rush to sell. With nearly four years remaining on his contract, they retain control over his future, yet the player’s desire for more competitive influence could prove decisive.

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Arsene Wenger once compared Zaire-Emery to “a mix of Patrick Vieira, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante,” calling him “unstoppable” for his ability to combine power, precision and tactical discipline. Such comparisons are not made lightly, and it is precisely this blend of attributes that makes him so appealing to Europe’s top managers.

Future Star with Big Decisions Ahead

For now, Zaire-Emery remains focused on fighting for his place in Paris, but the clock is ticking. In a footballing era defined by early opportunity and rapid progression, patience is often a luxury few can afford. If his situation at PSG does not improve, his next move could define the next decade of his career.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Fr Arsenal supporters, the idea of signing Zaire-Emery feels like the next logical step in Arteta’s project. He represents everything the club is striving to be: youthful, technically gifted, and relentlessly driven. The thought of pairing him with Declan Rice would excite any Gunners fan, offering a midfield balance reminiscent of the club’s most dominant eras.

Arsenal fans would see this as a chance to future-proof their engine room for the next decade. The 19-year-old’s blend of athleticism and tactical maturity mirrors Arteta’s demands perfectly. While competition for places is fierce, supporters know that elite depth is now essential for competing across all fronts.

For Manchester City, the attraction is equally strong. Guardiola’s admiration for Zaire-Emery is well documented, and the idea of grooming him as Rodri’s eventual heir fits City’s long-term planning. Fans at the Etihad would see him as a statement signing one that reinforces the club’s dominance while also investing in the future.

Whichever club wins this race, fans on both sides can agree that Zaire-Emery represents the type of player who defines generations. His next move could become one of the most fascinating stories of the 2025 summer window.