Zlatan Ibrahimovic would prefer to move to London as he will “pretty likely” switch to the Premier League this summer, claims Swedish football journalist Olof Lundh.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward will see his contract with the Ligue 1 champions expire this summer, which in turn has led to significant speculation over his future.
With options all over the world being touted as possibilities, Lundh believes he knows where the influential Swedish international wants to move next and why.
“I think he is looking to play in Europe at the top level and, of course, the Premier League is interesting for him. I think he would like to live in London. Whether that would be Chelsea, Arsenal or maybe even West Ham, we will see,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think when you talk to his colleagues in the national team in Sweden who play in the Premier League they all place him in Manchester United, of course with (Jose) Mourinho possibly coming in, but I’m not sure Zlatan Ibrahimovic would like to live in Manchester.
“It also depends on whether Manchester United reach the Champions League for the next season. I also think he made a statement yesterday to get it out on the market that he is free, he is willing and is looking to all the offers. So it will be a couple of interesting months now when he decides.”
Lundh also suggested that a move to MLS has been shelved due to David Beckham’s issues with his Miami franchise, which in turn has led to the Premier League becoming the most realistic option.
If his suggestion that Ibrahimovic would prioritise a move to London is true, then it would arguably only make sense that he talks with Arsenal and Chelsea, both of whom who have previously been paired with an interest in the former AC Milan and Barcelona star.
Although West Ham have certainly made big strides under Slaven Bilic this season ahead of their move to the Olympic Park next year, it doesn’t seem like the kind of club or project that Ibrahimovic would join based on where he has played previously and the level of success that he will want to maintain in his final few years as a player.
Admittedly, with the Hammers potentially qualifying for the Champions League next season, that could yet make a difference. However, it is more than likely that the Emirates or Stamford Bridge awaits Ibrahimovic if he decided that the Premier League is his next move.
For Arsenal’s part, it would take a change in approach from Arsene Wenger to take on a veteran on a big-money contract, while Chelsea will have to discuss the possibility of signing Ibrahimovic once they have appointed a new coach in the summer.
Either way, it sets up an intriguing summer for the Swedish national team captain, as he will be prioritising the Champions League with PSG before looking to shine at Euro 2016.