COMMENT: Could it happen? Could we finally see Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Premier League next month?

In Paris, they're adamant: Ibrahimovic will play out the final year of his PSG contract.

But in Italy, specifically Milan, there is a growing confidence that Ibrahimovic will leave Paris before the summer market shuts. Indeed, Silvio Berlusconi, the AC Milan president, is happy to run down the clock and wait until deadline day to re-sign the Swede. Berlusconi insists the door is not completely shut - such encouragement hasn't come out of thin air.

In England, it broke this week that agents working on behalf of PSG are seeking a buyer for Ibra. Arsenal and Manchester United were mentioned as potential destinations.

For all the denials coming from Paris, there is definitely some unrest behind the scenes. And no matter how they slice it, three into two just won't work.

Laurent Blanc is fortunate. With both Ibra and Angel di Maria kicking off the season injured, the PSG coach has avoided having to juggle his three attacking superstars. For now, Edinson Cavani is leading the line (and making a hash of it) in Ibra's absence.

But it will be Cavani who must make way when the Swede returns. And with Di Maria earmarked for a central role playing off the striker, last season's complaints from the Cavani camp are only going to get louder.

But it won't be just fans of Cavani giving management earache. There's still the matter of Ibrahimovic and his relationship with local supporters.

Beyond the Parc des Princes, Ibrahimovic is still a target for fans angered by his ugly blast at a ref last season.

"'I played 15 years, I never seen a referee this s***," he shouted. "They don't even deserve PSG in this country."

The attack made it all the way to French parliament and the anger Ibra invoked is what Berlusconi is hoping will force the Swede to move on.

"You know, Ibrahimovic has a special situation in France. Since he dropped the phrase, it's hard for him when he plays at other grounds. We are waiting with open arms, he gave us his word that if he left, it would be to come back here," said the Milan president.

But why Milan? Why not London or Manchester?

He has a gob on him, for sure. But no-one at PSG has ever questioned Ibrahimovic's commitment nor professionalism.

Before his knock in the French Super Cup, long time observers of PSG described his preseason as "spectacular" and a "great example" for the rest of his teammates. Even at (almost) 34, Ibrahimovic is regarded as a genuine matchwinner. Have we ever seen such a player, at his age, regarded as so influential on the field?

Which should be the hook for Premier League clubs - particularly Arsenal and United.

Yes, he will arrive with big personal demands and an even bigger ego. But what he won't do is represent a threat to any young teammate.

Arsenal appears a long shot. But Arsene Wenger did bring back Thierry Henry for a short spell. He'll sign a veteran if it works for him.

We know Wenger wants a centre-forward signing. And for the moment, it's all about Real Madrid and Karim Benzema. But should that fall through, he'd have to think seriously about Ibrahimovic.

The Swede would arrive as a mark-up on Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck. He'd also be no threat to the likes of Chuba Akpom and Yaya Sanogo. Instead, Ibra's work on the training pitch would only act as an example for the club's young players to follow.

Indeed, it could be argued Wenger, himself, would improve working with Ibrahimovic. There's been very few changes to his staff in recent years. Certainly no-one with the varied experience of Ibrahimovic. Bringing Ibra into the club could be just the shake-up Wenger needs.

At United, the need is obvious. Louis van Gaal's squad is hopelessly short in attack. Wayne Rooney is not a centre-forward and being asked to lead the line is dulling his game. Ibrahimovic would instantly transform this United team. It would be a Cantona-esque type signing. In truth, it would be the sort of spectacular, imaginative deal Sir Alex Ferguson would entertain.

But Van Gaal? Well, his biographer, Hugo Borst, is convinced he would, claiming the Dutchman is now after instant results and landing Ibrahimovic is as close a guarantee as you'd get.

Which could be a real factor. Van Gaal has given himself this contract, with just over 18 months to run, to win the league with United. He needs someone to accelerate his team building. And Ibrahimovic, on virtually a free transfer, must be an attractive proposition.

The early noise from Premier League intermediaries is that Ibra's age and contract demands are working against him. But we're talking about a one-off. The best 34 year-old we've seen in the game. A player whose profile sits alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Those Premier League teams, who claim to have title ambitions, shouldn't be so dismissive.