PSG tie up deal for Real Madrid’s Jese

Paris Saint-Germain strengthened their attacking options on Monday with the signing of Spanish forward Jese Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a five-year deal, the French champions confirmed.

Jese will provide cover for Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani and becomes PSG’s fifth close-season signing following the arrivals of Hatem Ben Arfa, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Thomas Meunier and Giovani Lo Celso.

“I’m extremely happy to join PSG, who have become one of the most competitive teams in Europe,” said Jese, in a statement on the French club’s website.

“Along with the club I have very big goals for the years to come and it will be a real pleasure to work under Unai Emery. I can’t wait to start this new challenge in my career.”

The 23-year-old found opportunities limited in Madrid behind the Spanish giants’ vaunted attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, but Real coach Zinedine Zidane last week suggested he would prefer to send Jese out on loan.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Jese to PSG. These past few seasons he has confirmed he is one of the most promising individuals at Real Madrid and in Spanish football,” said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, adding that the Spaniard would be the club’s final signing this transfer window.

Jese, capped by Spain at Under-21 level, scored 13 goals in 62 league appearances for Real and was also part of the sides that won the Champions League in 2014 and 2016.

He is expected to be presented to the media later on Monday, with PSG kicking off the defence of their Ligue 1 crown away to Bastia on Friday.