How Paris FC reset and refined a winter window to match their ambitions | OneFootball

After a summer judged too light for Ligue 1, Paris FC have reset this winter, mixing immediate power with future talent led by Rudy Matondo, 17, and the planned arrival of Patrick Zabi, 19.

According to L'Équipe, as of Tuesday night the Zabi deal was not announced by Paris FC or Reims, where he will finish the season, but the Ivorian has given the green light to join in the summer.

Last summer, counterparts, assuming the Arnaults would spend freely, drove up demands and Paris FC recruited in haste, with Moses Simon, Hamari Traoré, Willem Geubbels and Otavio not fully convincing. Six months on, sporting director Marco Neppe leads discreet, firmer talks with Antoine Arnault and coach Stéphane Gilli.

Marshall Munetsi, Diego Coppola and Ciro Immobile, short of minutes, already look at ease at the training centre in Orly. Immobile signed for six months with a one year option, the others are on loan, and permanent deals could follow if they deliver. Munetsi and Immobile add needed experience and power.

Luca Koleosho, 21, arrived on loan with an option, signalling the shift, then came Matondo, a highly rated 17 year old. Zabi fits the same plan, Paris FC were first, and the only French club, to make a concrete move last summer.

He and his camp turned down approaches from Manchester United, Newcastle, Bournemouth, AC Milan, Inter and Fiorentina. After more than €50m spent last summer, Paris FC are set to commit about €42m including add-ons on Matondo and Zabi. This winter has marked a clear turning point.

Source: L'Équipe