Kimpembe looks to extend PSG stay

On the cusp of a breakthrough campaign at Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain centre-half Presnel Kimpembe is hoping to extend his spell with the four-time defending Ligue 1 champ.

With a contract that expires in the summer of 2018, Kimpembe is looking to pledge his future to PSG, telling L'Equipe, "I have always wanted to stay."

Kimpembe has started all three of PSG's league fixtures as new manager Unai Emery displays faith in the academy grad, and with David Luiz's return to Chelsea, the French youth international is poised for a progressive season.

The mop-topped Brazilian's exit, paired with a hip concern for Thiago Silva and Marquinhos' Olympic sabbatical, have thrust Kimpembe into the starting XI, and in doing so, earning Emery's praise.

Even with the return of the Canarinho duo, Kimpembe is now PSG's third-choice centre-back, and with competitions on three fronts, the 21-year-old is likely to play a massive role in Emery's plans.

"I know Thiago will return and that will complicate things a little, Marquinhos too. They are both indisputable starters. You can only grow through competition though.

"The club respects me and I respect them back. I have set myself a goal of 20-25 matches this season, I will take stock of that at the end of the season," the Beaumont-sur-Oise defender added.

With reports suggesting that Kimpembe rejected a new deal during the summer, the youngster does not appear content to settle for just any contract.

"It would be a dream to extend my contract here but we must reach an agreement first. I am not going to sign a new deal just to please the club and they are not going to make me happy by simply offering me a contract."

While contract negotiations may have to wait, Kimpembe is pleased to work under Emery ahead of what could prove to be a big season for both club and player.

"Laurent Blanc did a lot for me, he gave me confidence," Kimpembe said. "With Emery, though, the philosophy is totally different. He likes combat and showed us we need aggression to succeed.

"We work a lot tactically. There is at least one tactical exercise every day. We speak more with him, not necessarily individually, but we feel his support. We feel more valued."