Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has called Marco Verratti and Marquinhos the "young soul" of the capital club and believes the Italy international "recognises PSG have the right" to reject offers from Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich if they materialise.
Verratti, 24, has been linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs since returning to action after a groin injury disrupted the first half of 2016 and Marquinhos, 22, has also frequently been linked with Barcelona for the past couple of years.
Speaking at length with El Pais, Emery praised Verratti's technical ability and insisted the Azzurri star is grateful to PSG for giving him a stage on which to display his immense talent.
"He arrived from Pescara and he truly recognises PSG have the right to choose to not part with him if one day Real, Barca or Bayern come calling," the Spaniard said. "Along with Marquinhos, they are the young soul of this PSG."
"He is young and very impulsive, that is what makes him such a good player," Emery continued. "He plays with a lot of heart.
"Playing with possession, good positioning, watching the opponent's goal but moving himself well to recover the ball when we do not have it, Verratti masters all of these things.
"That is what [Andres] Iniesta did so well during his time. As well as Xavi before him. Xavi started his career as a defensive midfielder before moving into a more advanced role."
Emery confirmed Barcelona's interest in Verratti's teammate, Marquinhos, was real this summer but revealed the Brazil international chose to stay loyal to PSG because "he respects what he has" at Parc des Princes.
"It is a fact Barcelona wanted him this summer," the 45-year-old tactician said. "However, he was grateful to PSG for giving him the chance to play for a great team. The option to go to Barca pleased him but he respects what he has at PSG. This says a lot about such a complete player."
Emery also lavished praise upon Marquinhos, who has become captain Thiago Silva's starting central defensive partner since
David Luiz returned to Chelsea at the end of the summer transfer window.
"He is a top player and he wants to continue to be so," said the Basque. "He listens. His attitude is as intense as his ability. On the pitch, he applies himself and asks 'Boss, what do you need of me?'"