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Leao, Pulisic and the wingers PSG could sign before the January transfer window closes

Last week, Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier announced that his club were in the transfer market, looking to bring in a winger. His criteria were pretty specific: "We’re looking for a wide player... one who’s tall, strong, good with both feet and with his head."

PSG, of course, have a limitless budget, but Galtier's requests are precise and perhaps limited to very few players in world football. Ironically, PSG probably already have the best in Kylian Mbappe, who is, by some distance, the world's most complete goalscorer who can be utilised on the flank.

So, realistically, who could the Ligue 1 champions buy to satisfy their manager's necessities? A few players that either meet, or come close to meeting those criteria come to mind. Cody Gakpo comes to mind, but he recently signed for Liverpool. Sadio Mane is a similarly enticing option, but he is out injured and has only been playing for Bayern for six months.

Marcus Rashford, too, fits the bill, but Erik ten Hag has made it clear that the player is basically untouchable.

But there are some players out there who PSG could theoretically bring in. They have already shown interest in both Rayan Cherki and Malcom, both of whom fit the manager's requests in some senses. GOAL takes a look at a few others who could make an impact immediately and in the long run.

  • Rafael Leao Milan Chelsea 2022-23Getty Images

    Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

    If there is anyone who fits all of Galtier's criteria perfectly, it's Rafael Leao.

    The Portuguese international is 6'2, fast as lightning, and immensely strong. He's also a terrific technical dribbler and can go either left or right. As his performances with the Portuguese national team and AC Milan suggest, Leao is best used as an inverted winger, cutting onto his right foot from the left. But Leao isn't just a goalscorer. He's tallied five assists in Serie A this year, half of his total of 10 last season.

    And there's more to come from the winger. Leao is just 23, and will undoubtedly continue to develop. Although he would face heavy competition to get into the PSG side, the former Lille man has everything it takes to be a long-term star at the Parc des Princes.

    Although Milan would be reluctant to sell this winter, the player seems primed for an exit sometime soon.

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  • Rayan Cherki Lyon 2022-23Getty

    Rayan Cherki (Lyon)

    PSG want Cherki. They have reportedly made an approach for the player, and he is keen on a move to the Ligue 1 leaders. Lyon, meanwhile, are incredibly reluctant to part ways with one of the gems of their academy.

    It's easy to see why PSG covet the 19-year-old. He's a top dribbler and a creative player, ranking above around or above 90th percentile in all major dribbling and assisting categories among wingers, per FBRef.

    Cherki is also quick, agile, and athletically gifted. And although he's not explosive, he seems set to be a top-level creative player for years to come.

    The issue is, Cherki is more of a number 10, preferring to operate in between the lines and progress the ball forward, rather than hug the touchline and cut inside. Whether he's the answer to PSG's problems in terms of depth in the front line, then, remains to be seen. But he's enough of a talent that they might just be inclined to spend regardless.

  • Christian Pulisic Chelsea 2022-23Getty Images

    Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

    It was revealed this week that Christian Pulisic was on the verge of being shipped out by Chelsea before he picked up a long-term injury. With Mykhailo Mudryk brought in from Shakhtar, the American was deemed surplus to requirements.

    But a move could still happen. And in some senses, he fits the bill for PSG. Pulisic is fairly tall at 5'10, quick, and although his right foot is stronger and Pulisic is a natural left-winger, he can play on either side. While the American has struggled with injuries throughout his career, he's been among the goals when he's enjoyed extended runs in the side.

    AC Milan are rumoured to be interested — likely as a replacement for Leao. But theoretically, a Ligue 1 move could be a better fit for the 24-year-old.

  • Nico Williams Athletic Bilbao 2022.Getty Images.

    Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

    Williams is an interesting case. The Spanish winger is quick, clever on the ball and immensely hard-working. He plays for a high energy Athletic Club side, and fits into the system as a true right-winger, preferring to stay out wide but capable of cutting in and running behind opposing defences.

    He's not necessarily one that fits Galtier's vision perfectly, then. PSG hang onto the ball and stroke it around before looking for the right moment to break.

    But at 20, with undeniable talent, Williams could be moulded into a more PSG-style player. Although he plays on the right, Williams doesn't necessarily have a poor left peg. Furthermore, he's tall, and deceptively strong despite his lanky frame.

    Athletic Club would likely want to hold on to such an important part of their team, but Williams is one that would excite immediately and adapt long term.

  • Wilfried Zaha Crystal Palace 2022-23Getty

    Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

    The first thing that needs acknowledging is that Wilfried Zaha does not fit PSG's timeline. He's 30, and his pace and dynamism will only fade over the next few years. As a long-term option, then, he makes little sense.

    According to what Galtier wants out of a player, however, Zaha is an ideal fit. He's tall, rapid, and an excellent dribbler. He's been the star man for a middling Crystal Palace side for 10 years now, hitting double-digit Premier League goals three times despite playing for a side that has real issues finding the back of the net.

    Zaha is also desperate for a bigger move. He penned one of the biggest contracts in Palace history in 2018, pledging himself to the Eagles on a five-year deal worth around £114,000 per week ($140,000). It was a bold statement for the club at the time, but came with an understanding that the player would be able to leave if and when a big name came in for him.

    Palace, so far, have been able to resist any interest, but with Zaha's contract due to expire soon, the club might be willing to cash in now.

  • Alejandro Garnacho Man Utd 2022-23Getty Images

    Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

    It's difficult to figure out exactly what Garnacho might be. The teenager has impressed in short bursts for United with six goal involvements in limited action for Erik ten Hag's side. He is perhaps unfortunate that Rashford — currently in the form of his life — is keeping him out of the line-up.

    There's been some reported controversy of late with Garnacho, as the player has been told to ditch his agent if he wishes to leave the club. And that might leave PSG ready to pounce.

    The 18-year-old is the type of player PSG have been targeting recently, similar to the Hugo Ekitike archetype that has served the Parisians well this year. He's very young, still raw, but has all of the physical tools to develop into a quality attacking player. He's already 5'11 and still has some growing to do given his age.

    It all really depends on what role Galtier wants his new winger to have. If he wants the player for cup games or occasional league minutes with a view to phasing him into the side long-term, then Garnacho is perfect. The question is: can he be relied upon to replace any of PSG's big three if injuries hit?

  • Malcom-Zenit-Juve-2022-23

    Malcom (Zenit)

    That Malcom? Barcelona flop Malcom?

    Well, as it turns out, he has gone on to have a solid career since he left Camp Nou in 2019. The Brazilian has steadily improved since then, enjoying a strong run rather away from the spotlight for Zenit.

    This year has been his best yet, with Malcom tallying 12 goals and five assists in 17 Russian Premier League starts. PSG have shown interest in him, too, and a cut-rate deal seems possible.

    Malcolm perhaps wouldn't be the most exciting signing. He's 25, and would walk into the Parc de Princes known as a Barca underperformer - not a talented young winger. Still, he's shown that he can cut it in Europe. And perhaps another chance to strut his stuff in Ligue 1 could be what he needs.

  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 2022-23Getty

    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

    The first thing that needs to be mentioned about 'Kvaradona' is that he's probably not for sale.

    Napoli are top of Serie A and have a Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt to look forward to. They won't sell their breakout star in January. But PSG — if not most major European clubs — must wish they could have him. Isn't it nice to dream?

    Kvaratskhelia has proven to be an excellent modern winger. He is a terrific dribbler, clever passer, and although he's not prolific, nine goals so far isn't exactly a shoddy return. The physical traits are there, too. Kvaratskhelia is 6'0 tall, strong and good in the air for his position. At 21, he still has loads of time for improvement.

    It's not quite clear what his long-term position is. Napoli have used him as a sort of inside forward, often linking up with Victor Oshimen. PSG could use him as a central or wide player, and develop him for years to come.