Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino has already discussed what life in England is like with Kylian Mbappe as the Blues join the race to land the forward.
The Blues have been credited with following a move for the Frenchman in the transfer window as a very public saga with PSG plays out once again. Not long after the last time there was tensions between the two parties, a new deal was signed, but included a one-year extension clause in favour of Mbappe.
He decided to inform the club of his intention not to trigger it, which means that he only has one-year left on his contract and as a result, the Ligue 1 champions have been in a frenzy. The first move was to make an ultimatum: sign a new deal or leave this summer to avoid a free switch next year.
As time has gone on, more drastic measures have ramped up as Mbappe was omitted from the squad's training camp in Japan for pre-season. Naturally, sides have started to be linked with a switch, with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Saudi Pro League teams in the mix.
Chelsea have been claimed to be in the race, which could see Pochettino reunite with a former forward of his from their time together at the Parc Des Princes. Interestingly, the Argentine has previously discussed life in England to the 24-year-old, which could prime him for a switch too.
Speaking to the Guardian in 2021, he said: "Kylian loves football, he loves to talk about football. He asks about England – how is the game, the mentality and the culture there? He’s only 22 but very mature, confident in his talent and open.
"He can speak French, of course, but also perfect English and Spanish. I speak in English and Spanish with him – more English than Spanish. I said to him the other day: ‘I need to practise my French with you, to improve,’ and he said: ‘Sure, but it’s better for me to talk in English.’ He loves to practise different languages.”
It remains to be seen whether that could help swing a switch to Chelsea over perhaps somewhere such as Real Madrid in the coming window. However, with the deal set to cost a huge amount in transfer fees and wages, the question will be whether the Blues are feasibly in the race or not.
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