Thomas Tuchel says Paris Saint-Germain still need Layvin Kurzawa in their team, amid rumours of a possible departure to Arsenal.

The media are strongly linking Layvin Kurzawa to a move from Thomas Tuchel and Paris Saint-Germain to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal at the moment.

At first, the suggestion was around a January move, but most recently, the talk is shifting to a possible free transfer in the summer.

Those reports seem much more likely now in the wake of Tuchel’s latest comments. He denies speaking to the player or anyone else about a January departure, emphasising the left-back’s importance to the squad.

“I haven’t spoken with Layvin (Kurzawa) or anyone else about his departure this winter,” Thomas Tuchel said. “Layvin is number two behind (Juan) Bernat in the left-back position. We need him and Layvin will play tomorrow against Lorient.”

According to the most recent reports from France, Kurzawa will sign a five-year deal with Arsenal in the summer. His contract with PSG expires in June, so Arsenal only have to pay a signing-on fee. Negotiations are reportedly still ongoing to agree that fee.

Kurzawa is up to 14 appearances for PSG this season, and Tuchel’s comment suggest he’ll get a 15th on Sunday. His side face Lorient in the French Cup.