Paris Saint-Germain have tied one of their teenage sensations down to a new contract amid suggestions that both Manchester clubs are interested in signing him.
Eighteen-year-old midfield protege Warren Zaire-Emery has established a reputation as one of the most promising fulcrums on the planet this year, having become a trusted performer for Luis Enrique.
Zaire-Emery has contributed three goals and seven assists from 39 appearances across all competitions this term, being deployed as both a central midfielder and makeshift right-back in 2023-24.
The 2006-born protege has started eight of PSG's Champions League games en route to a semi-final showdown with Borussia Dortmund, and he netted on his senior France debut last year in a 14-0 destruction of Gibraltar.
Seen as a genuine contender to make Didier Deschamps's Euro 2024 squad, Zaire-Emery's performances have supposedly attracted the attention of Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as German giants Bayern Munich.
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Zaire-Emery extends PSG deal until 2029
However, PSG were always optimistic about their chances of tying Zaire-Emery down to a fresh contract, and Les Parisiens have now confirmed that the teenager has extended his stay for another five years.
Prior to Saturday's 3-3 draw with Le Havre, Zaire-Emery posed with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on the Parc des Princes turf, as is customary when it comes to contract extensions for PSG's prized performers.
The midfielder held up a shirt sporting "Zaire-Emery 2029" as sparks flew in the background, and he expressed his delight at prolonging his stay in the French capital during an interview with the official PSG website.
"I'm so proud and happy to continue my adventure with the club I've been with since the start - Paris Saint-Germain - my boyhood club. I would like to thank the President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who has been with me here since I started, for his faith in me," Zaire-Emery said.
"I'm grateful for everything the club has done for me so far. I'd also like to thank all my former coaches and trainers, and especially coach Luis Enrique, and all those who have accompanied me since I arrived here in 2014, all those people who do everything to help me succeed, all the staff at Paris Saint-Germain who push me a lot with their backing, and the supporters who I hope to continue to make proud."
President had "no doubts" about Zaire-Emery's future
✍️ 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 ❤️💙#Warren2029
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 27, 2024
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Club president Al-Khelaifi insisted that he never questioned Zaire-Emery's future at the club, while also highlighting the 18-year-old's love for PSG, adding: "We are so pleased that Warren Zaïre-Emery is extending his future at Paris Saint-Germain to 2029.
"I had no doubt he would renew because he believes in the project, and PSG is in his heart. Since he arrived at our Club 10 years ago, he has worked so hard to develop his fantastic talent. He has so much more to achieve – and knows with hard work he will achieve all his goals at Paris.
"Warren also cares about the Club and the collective more than himself – which is what we want in our all players. We are very proud that a product of our Youth Academy is at the centre of our first team for years to come."
Zaire-Emery provided an assist for Bradley Barcola in Saturday's stalemate with Le Havre, where failure to win meant that Enrique's side missed out on wrapping up the Ligue 1 title with three games to spare.
PSG will still be crowned champions on Sunday if second-placed Monaco lose against Lille, otherwise they will need just a point from their final three games with Toulouse, Nice and Metz to win the title for the third year running.
Ben Knapton
