Emery affirms PSG's desire to keep Matuidi

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery is adamant star midfielder Blaise Matuidi should stay at the Parc des Princes for the 2016-17 Ligue 1 campaign, despite fielding interest from a number of clubs in Europe.

Matuidi has been linked with a €30-million move to Juventus in response to the sale of Paul Pogba to Manchester United, but Emery hopes Matuidi will stay with the French giant nonetheless.

"I want the best players with me, with the squad and with PSG. Matuidi is one of them," Emery said at a news conference, according to ESPN FC. "He's a good player, he's part of the identity of the club. He's one of the leaders and capable of being captain. My opinion is clear, I want him to stay.

"The decision comes down to three elements: the club, the player and the team," Emery later added at the club's training facility. "Me, I want him to stay. He's very important."

Related: Paris Saint-Germain chairman refutes Matuidi exit