Goal.com Christmas Shopping: Who Should Paris Saint-Germain Buy?

PSG need to recruit. It’s difficult to argue otherwise. Les Parisiens must sign players not only to bring more quality to the team so as to achieve more than they managed in the first half of the season, but also to develop a squad sometimes thin in certain areas and facing selection issues during the CAN (African Cup of Nations). Though the leaders of the Ile-de-France club did not seem inclined to be active during the winter transfer window, the force of nature means that a recruitment drive has become necessary.

Defence

In the rearguard, there is not a legion of alternatives, but the Franciliens will not needlessly strengthen this position. With the sixth best defence in Le Championnat this is not the time to panic. However, the centre-backs have shown a few signs of fatigue, as has left-back Sylvain Armand, who has become a little inconsistent in recent weeks. The chain linking Antoine Kombouare to former club Valenciennes could lead to Milan Bisevac.

Midfield

This is certainly the area where PSG are most likely to make changes. If the defensive sector of the midfield, with the presence of Claude Makelele, Jeremy Clement and Clement Chantome, is solid enough, there is a need to worry about the attacking areas. Starting with the left side of midfield. Stephane Sessegnon, often more useful in the centre, will be absent due to the CAN. And, as has been asked frequently for months, would PSG not be better with a left winger by trade in that area? Of course, the return of Jerome Rothen should not be dismissed as he has struggled to earn game-time at Rangers. However, his motivation does not seem very great. Another, far more unexpected, link is to Laurent Robert, who is certainly much less fit than in recent years, but whose left foot can be potent and who has offered his services to PSG for a negligible fee.

The hottest rumour, and certainly the most appropriate, surrounds Johan Audel. Though the Valenciennes player is a striker by trade, he has been managed well since the start of the season and has been placed on the left. Above all, he has not hesitated to declare his love for the capital club. "It is time for me, I think, to join a large team. Starting in the next transfer window? You never know... Sure, PSG are a great club. I’ve dreamt of playing for them since I was little," he confided last week.

Paris Saint-Germain need rhythm more than anything. That is why other players have also been tracked, with varying degrees of seriousness. The names of Simon Vukcevic, Diego Souza or even Ermin Zec have been cited. The latter two have been watched by the club, who are also following Rodrigo Souto. The Brazilian, currently playing for Santos, intends to play in Europe and would be welcoming of PSG, who have already made a €4.5m bid. Finally, the link with Mathieu Valbuena seems more like an impractical rumour given the money it would take for PSG to prise him from Olympique de Marseille.

Attack

The arrival of Mevlut Erding in the summer has sealed the fate of the rest of the transfer window. The arrival of the Franco-Turkish attacker means that the attacking unit is fully reinforced. With Peguy Luyundula and Guillaume Hoarau in place, this area is would seem to be well equipped. Even if PSG needs more offensive power through the middle, it is in the playmaking department that they will seek players. The return of Guillaume Hoarau from injury will fill a gap, similar to the return of Mateja Kezman.

The outlaw, who has moved to Zenit St. Petersburg on loan, is unlikely to remain in Paris, however. In attack, there should not be any movement - good attackers are often too expensive or are simply being kept away from the capital club. Two names have still been suggested - Sylvain Wiltord and Sidney Govou. Nevertheless, there are areas requiring more urgent attention.

INS (2): Johan Audel (Valenciennes), Rodrigo Souto (Santos)

OUTS (1): Mateja Kezman