Full Breakdown
Manchester United Target Warren Zaire-Emery as Summer Midfield Option
7/22/2026, 1:00:03 PM
Core Transfer Target
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a €60 million (£51 million) bid for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery. The club first identified the 20-year-old as a potential signing in 2023, when he was 17, and now view him as a possible third midfield addition for the upcoming summer window.
Background and Recent Activity
United have already secured Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million, while AS Roma’s Manu Kone and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott are also being monitored. Recent departures such as Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes have required significant outlays, suggesting United may need to allocate additional funds for another midfield acquisition. Zaire-Emery has spent the 2025/26 season on the fringes of PSG’s first team, making 54 appearances, and added 109 minutes for France at the World Cup. Injuries to Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi briefly increased his playing time, but he returned to the bench when those players recovered.
Valuation and Negotiation Details
According to French outlet Top Mercato, United’s €60 million approach is intended to test PSG’s willingness to sell, while the French club values Zaire-Emery closer to €80 million (£68 million). The midfielder’s versatility—capable of operating in central midfield and at right-back—has attracted United’s interest, though it remains unclear whether he would prefer to leave Paris after gaining substantial experience.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
If United succeed, Zaire-Emery could provide depth behind established midfielders and offer tactical flexibility. The club’s pre-season preparations have already begun, with striker Marcus Rashford expected to feature in early friendlies after his World Cup break. United’s 2026/27 campaign will open away at newly promoted Hull City, and any resolution of the Zaire-Emery deal is likely to be finalized before the summer transfer window closes.
