The Kylian Mbappé (25) transfer saga looks to be reaching its conclusion. Le Parisien reported on Saturday that the France captain had agreed to join Real Madrid, whilst, although denying that an agreement was in place, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Los Blancos are highly confident of a deal.
Mbappé is expected to communicate his decision on his future soon, perhaps within the fortnight, and whilst he will not do so before informing Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Les Parisiens are already preparing for life without the AS Monaco academy product.
According to Romano, in the event of Mbappé’s departure, which is looking increasingly likely, PSG will target three recruits: a high-quality defender, a midfielder and a forward.
PSG have been heavily linked with a move for Lille OSC’s Leny Yoro (18). Luís Campos attempted to force through a move in January but to no avail. It is expected that the reigning Ligue 1 champions will return with a bid in the summer, but they will likely face some stern competition, notably from Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Up front, three names have been floated. Téléfoot have linked PSG with a move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leão (24), who is also a target for Newcastle United. Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (26) is another target, according to The I, whilst The Telegraph report that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen (25) is also being considered.
Whilst PSG won’t garner a fee for Mbappé, whose contract expires at the end of the season, the France captain has agreed to forego a reported €80m in loyalty bonuses, whilst his absence from the wage bill will also open up significant funds to rejuvenate the squad in the summer.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle