Pep Guardiola's 'dream target' revealed as Man City eye second transfer raid on PSG after Gianluigi Donnarumma swoop

The chances of prising teen sensation Zaire-Emery away from PSG are said to have been explored during the same window that saw Donnarumma bid farewell to Parc des Princes. It quickly became apparent that no deal would be done at that stage. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is said to have put a €100 million (£87m/$117m) price tag around the 19-year-old’s neck.

Zaire-Emery may, however, not be as untouchable as it appeared a matter of months ago. He is considered to be enduring similar issues to former team-mate Donnarumma, who was allowed to head for the exits after being unceremoniously ruled out of Luis Enrique’s long-term plans. The towering goalkeeper was as surprised as anybody to be moved on, rather than handed a new contract.

Zaire-Emery has figured in seven games for PSG across all competitions this season, but is without a goal and is not considered to be producing his best form. The youngster burst onto the scene at Parc des Princes when making his senior debut at 16 years of age. He was considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football.

It is that talent, with plenty of potential still to be unlocked, that Jeunes Footeux report has made City boss Guardiola so interested. The Blues are prepared to be patient, with it possible that another unexpected transfer opportunity will fall into their lap.

Ex-PSG star Jerome Rothen, who now works as a pundit, is among those to have asked questions of Zaire-Emery’s development under the current coaching regime in Paris. He has said: “The situation is terrible for Warren Zaire-Emery. Since Luis Enrique’s arrival, he has regressed. But every time he plays, he has average performances. He may not be compatible with Luis Enrique’s style of play. For his own good, it would perhaps be better for him to look elsewhere and have another experience with another coach.”

Said opportunities may be presented by City, who are forever in the market for exciting talents that fit Guardiola’s ball-playing philosophy. It is easy to see how Zaire-Emery would slot into the bigger picture being pieced together at the Etihad Stadium. PSG are, however, reluctant to see another home-grown star bid farewell to his roots.

While Enrique has supposedly struggled to bring the best out of the highly-rated midfielder, the former Barcelona boss remains a big fan. He has offered no indication that a sale would be sanctioned. Enrique has said: “With a player like Zaire-Emery, it’s a real pleasure. He’s an incredible player, with top-level behavior and quality. He must continue doing what he does, try to play more. He has the quality. He has been, is, and will be a very important player. He’s an example of what a PSG player should be.”

Said comments would appear to suggest that PSG will continue to resist any interest shown in Zaire-Emery. Their resolve would be tested, though, if an official approach were to be received. The teenage wonderkid would also be presented with a big call on his future if the likes of City were to formalise their interest.

Jeunes Footeux claims it is “too early” to speculate on whether Zaire-Emery will ultimately end up in Manchester or on the books of another club outside of his native Paris. It is suggested, though, that he would be likely to consider offers from afar if the conclusion is reached that - after more than 130 appearances for PSG - his efforts to become a global superstar, with telling contributions being made at the highest level on a regular basis, would be best served elsewhere.