Donnarumma's future at PSG uncertain as Lucas Chevalier takes over as new No 1

Last season, PSG won four trophies, including both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, yet the club still made significant moves in the transfer market. Donnarumma's future has been one of the summer's major talking points. According to ESPN, the 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper rejected the club’s new salary offer during contract extension talks, demanding a higher guaranteed salary. This situation brought negotiations to a standstill. The management then decided to sign Chevalier, whom they see as a long-term investment for the future.

€40 million guaranteed, €15 million in add-ons for Chevalier

According to ESPN, PSG paid Lille €40 million as a guaranteed fee for Chevalier. The deal also includes performance-related add-ons that could rise to €15 million. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who turned professional at Lille in 2020, made 127 appearances for the club and forged a reputation for consistent performances. Although he has yet to feature for the France senior national team, his reliable displays in Ligue 1 caught the attention of PSG’s coaching staff. After completing his medical in Paris, Chevalier signed a five-year contract. In doing so, PSG not only invested in the future but also bolstered their transfer budget with funds expected from Donnarumma’s possible exit. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Donnarumma is likely to stay at PSG for one more season and leave as a free agent at the end of the campaign. If this happens, Donnarumma could secure a significant signing bonus by joining his next club as a free agent.

Donnarumma will he stay or go?

According to ESPN, PSG are demanding around €30 million for the 26-year-old goalkeeper. The report also states that Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in Donnarumma in a bid to bolster their goalkeeping ranks for the new season, while Serie A side Inter have also joined the race. Inter’s move has raised eyebrows given his AC Milan past.

Donnarumma wanted to stay

Arriving in Paris from Milan on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, Donnarumma quickly became one of the club’s most important players. In a statement made in recent months, he said, “My priority is to continue at PSG. I expect no issues in the negotiations.” However, the possibility of his departure just three months after a Champions League triumph was not anticipated in the football world.

A new era at PSG

According to ESPN’s analysis, head coach Luis Enrique wanted a goalkeeper with sharp distribution, assured control, and superior footwork. Chevalier, who stands out with these qualities, is considered a good fit for PSG’s playing system. Whether Donnarumma will stay or leave will become clear in the near future.