Possible EPL destinations for Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted he would be open to a move to England in the summer when his contract expires at Paris St Germain. Only a few clubs are likely to be able to afford his wages and here we look at who he might play for - and one he almost certainly will not.
Manchester United --
Ibrahimovic enjoyed a great relationship with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and should the ex-Chelsea boss replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford it would be little surprise to see Ibrahimovic join him. The Sweden international has never hidden his admiration for his former boss, right down to his delight about receiving a text about his performance ahead of Mourinho's arrival in Milan. United need more goals and he could provide them. However, Champions League football, and its possible absence from Old Trafford next season, could be a consideration.
Arsenal --
The 34-year-old was close to joining the Gunners early in his career and held talks with Arsene Wenger, admitting he felt like a little boy when he was in the Frenchman's office. The Gunners definitely need a striker but his age would count against him with Arsenal cautious of signing over 30s, and with the forward only likely to be available for 12 months the cost may outweigh the pay-off for Wenger.
Chelsea --
Any move would depend on who takes charge at Stamford Bridge once Guus Hiddink leaves his temporary role at the end of the season. Ibrahimovic won the Serie A title at AC Milan with current Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, who has been linked with the Chelsea hot-seat. With Diego Costa having had peaks and troughs this season, and Falcao flopping, there could be room at the Bridge for a big character like Ibrahimovic. However, Ibrahimovic would almost certainly have to forego European football.
Tottenham --
Should Spurs maintain their title challenge and win the Barclays Premier League they will be catapulted into another realm in terms of the players they can attract. It would be a surprise to see Ibrahimovic move to Spurs, going against their policy of signing young players, and whether the numbers would add up for them remains to be seen. However, if they were interested they could be legitimate contenders should Mauricio Pochettino's side win their first league title since 1961.
Manchester City --
Ibrahimovic worked with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona but their relationship turned sour with the striker calling Guardiola 'a coward' in his autobiography. He has praised the Spaniard's work as a coach but has repeatedly hit out at his man-management style. While at Barcelona Ibrahimovic felt Guardiola never trusted him and that he was always behind Lionel Messi. Even though City would be one of the few to afford his wages it is unlikely the pair will resolve their differences to work together again when Guardiola moves to the Etihad in the summer.
