Monday 7 November 2016 17:06, UK
Presnel Kimpembe will be staying in Ligue 1 after Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the centre-back has agreed an extension to his contract that will keep him at the club until June 2021.
The PSG Academy graduate, who has been linked with Liverpool, reportedly rejected at least two offers from the Parc des Princes-based outfit before finally putting pen to paper on Monday.
The 21-year-old Frenchman earned a debut senior call up to Didier Deschamps' national team last month after emerging from PSG's reserves in August to make seven first-team, top-flight appearances so far this season.
"Extending my contract with the club where I learned my trade brings me a lot of joy," said Kimpembe.
"I've been here since I was really little, so this extension means a lot to me. It's a huge step forward for me, but it's only the beginning. I need to keep working hard to achieve my objectives.
"My ambitions for this season? Win titles, play as much as possible and experience some great moments with my teammates, the club and the fans. It's thanks to the fans that we are where we are today.
"They do a lot for the club and for us. I want to repay that faith and the joy they bring us."
Kimpembe's impressive start to first-team duties has attracted attention from the Premier League. Although Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was thought to be leading the chase, Manchester United and Chelsea were also rumoured to be keeping a close eye on the defender's progress.
Paris Saint-Germain's director of football Patrick Kluivert was delighted to see the promising young talent commit his future to the club and believes Kimpembe will play a key role in Unai Emery's squad.
"We're very satisfied to have extended Presnel's contract. This new deal is a sign of the great confidence we have in him to help us realise our current and future ambitions," Kluivert said.
"Each day, this young central defender will continue his development with us, alongside global superstars like Thiago Silva and Marquinhos.
"If he can make the most of playing alongside the great players in this team, he has an amazing career ahead of him."
After signing his first professional contract in July last year, Kimpembe has played 18 times for Emery's first team in all competitions and has two Ligue 1 titles (2015, 2016), one Coupe de France (2016), one Coupe de la Ligue (2016) and one Trophee des Champions (2016) to his name.
