Despite being contracted with PSG up until 2021, Marco Verratti is being linked with a move away from Ligue 1 to either Chelsea or Arsenal.

You might remember the midfielder for being the other player who got sent off in the dying seconds of Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Paris. He had his second yellow revoked due to a case of mistaken identity.

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Tuttomercatoweb], the 23-year-old could leave the French club by the end of the season. It doesn’t say why although I have a pretty good guess…

It appears as if Verratti isn’t exactly in favour right now.

After being subbed off during PSG’s 0-0 draw against Marseille, Verratti, who struggled for game time this season, spat his dummy out, questioning why he was being taken off in the 59th minute.

Apparently, he was asking: “What was that for? I was bad? He [PSG coach Unai Emery] said I was bad?”

Since then, Verratti has been linked with moves to Juventus and Inter Milan. As well as Chelsea and Arsenal, obviously.

 

So… why are Arsenal being linked?

There’s a few reasons. Either:

  1. It’s all just rubbish.
  2. He and his people are trying to make him seem like hot property to prevent PSG from giving him the boot for his behaviour.
  3. He is leaving and Arsenal are just being linked because others are.
  4. Arsenal actually are interested.

I’d say option #1 is the most likely but hey, #2 could be true since the French media think he’s been terribly disrespectful.

I wouldn’t rule out #3.

I doubt #4 is true. His wages, transfer fee and attitude will most likely be huge turn-offs to Wenger.