Ligue 1 news

Emerson Palmieri has praised Roberto De Zerbi as a “special person” with unmatched passion, revealing how the Marseille coach played a crucial role in his summer transfer from West Ham. The Italy international full-back admitted he once feared the move would collapse, but is now thriving in Ligue 1 under a manager he deeply admires.

Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has decided to defer the activation of the €11 million option to make Ansu Fati’s loan move from Barcelona permanent. The Spanish forward has been in fine form since joining the Ligue 1 side on loan, but Scuro emphasised that he must first be provided with the right conditions to develop into an important and consistent player before any transfer decision is made.

Ousmane Dembele has asked Paris Saint-Germain for a new contract and a pay rise worthy of his new status as a Ballon d’Or winner. The French winger, currently earning €18 million per year and tied to the club until 2028, wants a salary that reflects his global standing, but PSG are unwilling to return to the extravagant wage structure of the Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi era.

Paris Saint-Germain are now receiving good news on the injury front ahead of their Ligue 1 clash with Strasbourg. Ousmane Dembele has resumed team training following his hamstring injury, while Desire Doue has recovered from his calf issue. Key players returning could ease PSG’s early-season injury crisis and boost Luis Enrique’s squad as they aim to maintain their top-four Ligue 1 position.

Mason Greenwood’s Marseille have reportedly made an enquiry for Real Madrid’s teenage forward Endrick, with the Brazilian growing increasingly 'frustrated' over his lack of minutes under Xabi Alonso. The 18-year-old has not featured since recovering from injury and could be open to a January loan exit as he looks to secure game time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.