Zlatan Ibrahimovic will reportedly agree to a one-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain, before then moving on to a big-money deal in Qatar.
The Swedish international is expected to be one of the most in-demand players in world football this summer, with his contract with the Ligue 1 champions set to expire.
Speculation has linked him with various moves including to the Premier League and China, the former as suggested in an interview reported by The Guardian, but the latest reports suggest that he will remain in the French capital for another year.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia, the former AC Milan and Barcelona star is settled in Paris and will be offered another year with the same salary of €12m.
Having grown close to the club’s hierarchy including President Nasser Al Khelaifi, it is suggested that Ibrahimovic will be then be offered a huge €50m offer to head to Qatar after next season.
As a result, it is likely to be almost impossible for clubs around Europe to compete financially with the figures being touted, although nothing has been made official as of yet.
The 34-year-old has been as influential as ever so far this season, scoring 39 goals and providing 16 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.
In turn, he is evidently still capable of producing at the highest level, and so a move to China or Qatar this summer wouldn’t appear to make too much sense.
While his decision to stay in Paris, if true, will undoubtedly leave several clubs around Europe disappointed, it is clear that the Swede is enjoying his football and life there. As a result, it is difficult to argue a case for him to leave, especially if the club continue to be as successful as they have been in recent years.
The Champions League remains the holy grail for Ibrahimovic, and he will be desperate to overcome their disappointing 2-2 home draw with Manchester City when the two sides meet at the Etihad in the second leg next week.