Kylian Mbappe is the most coveted player in the world at the moment, with an exit from Paris Saint-Germain increasingly likely
Kylian Mbappe is one of most in-demand strikers in football (Image: Aurelien Meunier)
Kylian Mbappe has emerged as a target for numerous Premier League clubs this summer, with his contract at Paris Saint-Germain set to expire in 12-months. Earlier this month, Nasser Al-Khelaifi declared that the 24-year-old forward has two weeks to sign a new deal at Les Parc des Princes otherwise he’ll be sold.
Fast-forward a couple of weeks and Mbappe still hasn’t committed his long-term future to PSG – nor has he found a new club. While the France international has previously admitted that it is his dream to play for Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool seem to be trying their luck.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest updates concerning the future of Mbappe, who could soon be testing himself in the Premier League…
Chelsea transfer hint
A member of the Chelsea first team appeared to name drop Kylian Mbappe in a cheeky transfer hint on Sunday night as part of the side’s pre-season clash with Fulham. Chelsea were given a trophy to lift and parade around after the game, with Reece James and Thiago Silva doing so as captains for each half of the game.
During the jubilant scenes from the players, one thing that may have been noticed if listened to carefully is the name dropping of Mbappe. A player in the celebrations appears to say: “And Mbappe ain’t here,” though there is uncertainty as to which star said it outside of the shot, but it does appear to be Enzo Fernandez.
Boehly talks
According to the Daily Record, Chelsea are attempting to negotiate a player-plus-cash deal to bring the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge. The report states that the Parisians have encouraged the west Londoners’ efforts to secure the forward following direct discussions with Todd Boehly over a potential transfer.
Daily Record add that Real Madrid have not entered talks with PSG since Mbappe was made available for sale.
Liverpool open talks
Liverpool have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain in an attempt to seal a sensational loan move for Kylian Mbappe, according to the Mirror.
PSG do not want to lose their star man on a free transfer next summer and are therefore open to the idea of him leaving on a season-long loan with Jurgen Klopp’s men now formally acting on their interest. The new report also notes that Mbappe’s mother Fayza Lamari – also his agent – is a huge Kop fan.
Real Madrid hatch new plan
Kylian Mbappe’s most likely destination remains as Real Madrid despite Los Blancos seemingly making it clear they will not pursue a summer move.
However, a new report from Marca states that Madrid are attempting to lower Paris Saint-Germain’s demands. The Spanish outlet also states that Madrid feel they can ‘activate the signing’ at any time or ‘postpone’ their plans for next season.
Mbappe refuses Al-Hilal talks
Kylian Mbappe has chosen to not enter talks with Al Hilal over a possible summer transfer.
Paris Saint-Germain accepted the world record proposal put forward from the Middle East worth €300million (£259million) earlier this week with it then up to Mbappe whether he signs or not.
The 24-year-old wants to remain playing in Europe and therefore made the decision to refuse to enter any talks with Al Hilal, according to a report from L’Equipe.
Mbappe breaks silence after Al-Hilal world record bid
Mbappe joining Al Hilal would see the Parisians get the money they are looking for with Mbappe signing a one-year contract that would see him earn £50million per month.
Only being in the Middle East for 12 months would then allow the France international to seal his dream move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. It is still currently unclear on what Mbappe’s stance now is following the lucrative proposal sent from the Saudi’s, but he has now broken his silence on the proposed move when replying to Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Amid talk of Al Hilal’s bid, the Milwaukee Bucks player posted a photo of himself on Twitter with the caption: “Al Hilal you can take me. I look like Kylian Mbappe *two laughing face emojis and eyes raised emojis.*Moments after the post went live, Mbappe replied with a quote tweet of 13 laughing face emojis.
Bid accepted
PSG have accepted a bid from Al-Hilal to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to a whole host of reports. The French forward could be prepared for a world record switch if he accepts personal terms with the Saudi Pro League side, with a bid ranking at £259million.
Bid submitted
Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs look set to be blown out of the water in the race to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer, with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal submitting a massive bid.
‘Concrete offer’
According to The Times, PSG are expecting Chelsea to make a ‘concrete offer’ for the Frenchman this summer. The report states that the Ligue 1 outfit have placed an £87million price tag on Mbappe as they prepare to field bids in the coming days.
The Parisians’ valuation appears relatively low, but it’s thought that this will simply lure clubs into a bidding war.
Chelsea problem
Despite acquiring over £200million in funds from selling players, Spanish outlet Marca is reporting that if Chelsea want to sign Kylian Mbappe and avoid FFP issues, they must sell more players.
The Blues have already sanctioned marquee departures for Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, which likely means a few more lucrative exits must be sealed as opposed to the money likely to be obtained from allowing Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku to leave
Tottenham contact
Daniel Levy could help Tottenham pull off the transfer swoop of a lifetime if he is able to convince Kylian Mbappe to sign for the north Londoners.
Spurs have registered an interest in Mbappe and could hold a slight advantage as they already have a good relationship with Paris Saint-Germain and club chief Nasser al-Khelaifi because of the conversations the two parties have had regarding Harry Kane, as per Marca.
Real Madrid decision
The most-likely destination for Kylian Mbappe remains as Real Madrid, however an imminent move to the Spanish capital is not something currently on the cards.
According to Marca, Madrid are not planning to make a move for Mbappe on the market this summer as they know the advantage is still with them because Madrid remains as his priority.
Chelsea eye deal
According to RMC (via GFFN), Chelsea are “studying the possibility” of a transfer for Mbappe. The Blues are said to be interested in a move, but naturally the large sums involved will be costly to the Blues, especially after a year which saw them spend over £600million on incoming deals.
Huge cost
PSG are looking for a fee in the region of £160million to sell Mbappe this summer – astronomical for a player with just one year left on his contract. Then there are his wages.
Mbappe is understood to earn around £2million a week in the French capital and would demand a signing bonus too, similar to the one he is reported to have lined up at Madrid. At £2million a week and a £160million transfer fee, Chelsea and any other clubs wanting to sign him this summer would have to splash at least £260million in one year, and given his desire to join Real Madrid, it may only end up being for one season!
Arteta verdict
Mikel Arteta was asked about PSG’s decision to leave Mbappe out of their tour for Japan, but the Arsenal boss stayed as tight-lipped as you might expect.
“You know I never talk about players that don’t play for our club. I’m sorry.”
PSG make shock decision
PSG have decided to list Mbappe for sale after leaving him out of the squad for their pre-season tour in Japan, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on Twitter, Romano said: “Understand PSG consider Mbappé FOR SALE starting from today. #Mbappé Paris Saint-Germain feel Kylian Mbappé wants to leave for free in 2024 — he did not communicate anything yet despite Al Khelaifi’s public statement.
“PSG decided to EXCLUDE Kylian from Japan tournée.”
10-year contract
PSG have stepped up their attempts to convince Mbappe to stay at the club with a luxurious 10-year contract worth over €1billion (£864m).
According to Defensa Central, the Ligue 1 outfit have been handed the green light from the Emir of Qatar to complete the deal.
Meeting planned
Mbappe is set to meet PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi for the first time since informing the Ligue 1 champions that he will not be extending his contract.
Al-Khelaifi is set to hold a press conference at the French side’s new training ground on Tuesday with the entire squad present at his speech.
PSG return
Kylian Mbappe has met the first key point of the next two weeks with the 24-year-old returning to current club Paris Saint-Germain after his holiday, according to The Athletic.
The French club have set July 31 as the clear deadline to resolve the contract saga with a summer sale to the highest bidder possible in the month of August.
Message to Nkunku
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has suggested he will be paying close attention to Chelsea in a message to Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea’s French attacker took to social media last week to post a training photo of his ‘first session with the lads’. In the comments, Mbappe replied to his national team-mate by saying, “Going to get my popcorn.”
Arsenal blow
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has claimed that Arsenal have very little chance of signing the prolific forward this summer, with a move to Madrid the far more likely option.
“Mbappe is tailor made for Real Madrid,” Hutton told Football Insider. “I just believe that if he was ever to leave PSG, then he will end up at Real Madrid.
“It’s nothing against Arsenal whatsoever, but I can tell you this 100 per cent, it is well known that Madrid is the club he wants to be at. We will wait and see, but I can’t see it being Arsenal, and that is not a downside for them, Mbappe is still 24, so if there is anyone you can imagine in a Real Madrid ᵴtriƥ, it would be him.”
Mbappe behaviour slammed
Former PSG sporting director Leonardo has slammed the behaviour of Kylian Mbappe in an interview with L’Equipe. He told the French publication: “For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to go, no matter what. Paris-Saint-Germain existed before Kylian Mbappe and it will exist after him. He’s been in Paris for six years and, over those six seasons, five different clubs have won the Champions League (Real Madrid in 2018 and 2022, Liverpool in 2019, Bayern Munich in 2020, Chelsea in 2021 and Manchester City in 2023), none of which had Mbappe in their ranks. That means it’s entirely possible to win this competition without him.”
“With his behaviour over the last two years, Mbappe is showing that he’s not yet a player capable of really guiding a team. He’s a great player, not a leader. He’s a great goalscorer, not a creative one. It’s hard to build a team around him.”
Arsenal warning sent by Gunners icon
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has warned his old club about the perils of potentially shattering their wage structure to sign Kylian Mbappe. Smith told Gambling Zone: “I would think that the chances of Mbappe joining Arsenal are extremely unlikely.
“The money that it would take to sign him would be astronomical. I think the only place he can go is Real Madrid. I think that’s the only place and that is probably the place that he wants to go as well.
“Financially, we know the club is run really well. I think Arsenal would be very conscious of the wage structure they have in place, which needs to be tightly controlled.
“I would be very surprised if they were to smash that with the signing of Mbappe, as great as it would be to have him because he is one of the best players in the world. I don’t think it’s very likely.”
Fresh PSG stance
“My position is very clear and I will not repeat it every time,” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told a press conference last week. “We want Kylian to stay, but if he wants to stay, we want him to sign a new contract.
“We don’t want to let the best player in the world go for free, it’s impossible. PSG is a French club, it’s his city, and he’s already said he doesn’t want to leave for free.
“If today someone made him change his mind, it’s not my fault. I’ll say it again, we won’t let one of the best players in the world go for free, that’s very clear. I will not repeat.”
Damning interview
Mbappe has claimed that playing for PSG hasn’t helped the way the public views him because the Ligue 1 giants are a ‘divisive’ club.
During an interview with France Football, the French international revealed his desire to be seen in the same light as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. “Do people trivialise my performance? Yes, but at the same time, I don’t blame them”, Mbappe said.
“In France, they saw me grow up, they see me all the time, at PSG every weekend or in the national team. And I’ve been scoring a lot for years. So, for people, it becomes normal. I never complained that my performances were trivialised. I am young and I had the chance to be an observer, not so long ago, before being an actor.
“And myself, I trivialised what Messi was doing, what Cristiano Ronaldo was doing, what the great players were doing. We are in a consumer society, where ‘it’s good, but do it again’. And the fact that I’m right next door, in Paris… I think playing at PSG doesn’t help much because it’s a divisive team, a divisive club.
“So, of course it attracts gossip but it doesn’t bother me because I know what I’m doing and how I do it.”
Secret ‘agreement’
PSG believe Kylian Mbappe has a “secret agreement” with Real Madrid over a transfer to join the club, according to reports from Sky Sports. The French forward is claimed to have been sent a letter by the Ligue 1 champions on Monday that claimed he must sign a new deal or he will be sold this summer.
The 24-year-old has just 12-months remaining on his contract with Les Parisiens, with reported interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea too.
Arsenal preference revealed
A report from the Independent has stated PSG are adamant Madrid must pay what they want – but president Florentino Perez does not want to pay PSG a penny for Mbappe.
The report adds that Arsenal would actually be Mbappe’s first preference if he were to ever go to the Premier League, both because he likes the evolution of Mikel Arteta’s team and would also enjoy the challenge of delivering the title to the club again. The 24-year-old is nevertheless seen as way beyond Arsenal’s budget and it should be stressed there has been no contact.
Much will depend on whether there is a serious move, either by another club or Mbappe himself, as to whether Madrid go on to purchase him this summer. The Spanish club recently announced that their spending was finished for the summer with the surprising deal for Joselu, who is seen as a temporary replacement for Karim Benzema before going all in on Mbappe next summer.
PSG deadline
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has claimed that Mbappe must sign a deal soon or he will be made available on the transfer market this summer. Speaking at the unveiling of new head coach Luis Enrique, he said: “Our position is very clear, if Kylian Mbappe wants to stay – we want him to stay – he needs to sign a new contract.
“We cannot let the best player in the world right now leave for free. That is impossible.”
Premier League move latest
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that, despite links with a move to the Premier League, there are currently no talks ongoing for Mbappe. He told CaughtOffside: “Despite some big headlines, I honestly have absolutely no news on any English clubs being in talks to sign Mbappe. If something will happen in the next months we will say that, but at this point I’ve absolutely zero information on this one.”
Arsenal links
Arsenal are among the sides that have been linked with Mbappe as FootballTransfers reports that the Gunners are eyeing a move for the forward. The 24-year-old is claimed to be admired by the north London outfit, who are looking to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League in the near future.
Chelsea interest
Chelsea have been put on red alert over a move for Kylian Mbappe this summer after the forward refused an option to extend his contract by a further year. That’s according to the Times, which reports that the Blues are monitoring a potential switch for the France international.
The move could see him reunite with former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who he played under at PSG and has since taken the head coach role at Chelsea.
Soucre: football.london
