PSG sign Leandro Paredes from Zenit Saint Petersburg | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes.

The 24-year-old joins from Zenit Saint Petersburg on a four-and-a-half year deal worth a reported €45m, and he will wear the number eight shirt.

“I feel a lot of pride when I reach Paris Saint-Germain,” the former Boca Juniors and Roma star told the club’s official website.

“After my previous experiences in Italy and Russia, I now have this fantastic opportunity, not only to discover a new football, but especially one of the most prestigious jerseys in the world.

“I thank the president and coach for the trust they place in me by recruiting me. We all know the extraordinary sporting dimension of Paris Saint-Germain, its players and its staff.

“I share with them the same high ambitions and I will do everything to give my club what it expects of me as a midfielder.

“I cannot wait to taste the passionate atmosphere of Parc des Princes, who grew up in the fervor of Argentineans for football.”

Paredes began his career at Boca before leaving to join Serie A side Chievo in 2014. From there he joined Roma and also spent a season on loan at Empoli before moving to the Russian Premier League in 2017. He has been capped nine times at senior level for Argentina.

Chelsea were also understood to be interested in signing the midfielder this month but were unwilling to meet Zenit’s valuation.

PSG are reportedly still hoping to sign Everton’s Idrissa Gueye before the transfer window closes on Thursday.