Thomas Meunier has further dashed any lingering belief he might join Arsenal this summer by informing Paris Saint-Germain he wants to stay and sign an extension.
Earlier in the summer, Meunier was heavily linked with an exit from the French capital, with Arsenal one of the leading contenders to sign him.
Unai Emery had reportedly contacted the player personally over a move, and all the rumours suggested PSG were keen to sell for the right price.
Then, the talk of a move died down, and hardly anything has happened in almost a month. Speaking to the French media, Meunier explained that this is because he’s hoping to remain with PSG.
“The club knows my intentions. I want to stay in Paris,” Meunier told France Football (via Goal). “The executives know I am open to spending my fourth season here and to signing a new contract.
“It will be their decision – everything is in their hands.”
This doesn’t exactly put to bed the story that PSG plan to sell. If they were at all keen to hold onto the player, they probably would have accepted his plea to stay by now.
Unless Meunier changes his mind though, it seems the Ligue 1 club have no choice but to keep him for one more year.
Meunier’s contract lasts until 2020, so perhaps Arsenal could reignite their interest when he has no choice but to find a new club on a free transfer next summer.