Kylian Mbappe has communicated his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain to the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, according to reports. Competition for the Frenchman’s signature is set to ensue, while PSG are understood to be targeting a player firmly on Arsenal and Chelsea’s radar as his replacement.
Mbappe will technically become a free agent upon the expiration of his contract on June 30. The finer details of the 24-year-old’s exit, and whether PSG will be compensated in any way, are yet to be finalised.
According to The Athletic, Mbappe has now made it clear to PSG chiefs that he will look to move on at the end of the campaign. Real Madrid is believed to be his preferred destination and the positive feeling is reciprocated by Los Blancos.
There is plenty of time remaining for twists and turns between now and the summer transfer window, however. PSG also have plenty of time to set about finding his replacement.
The Guardian claim that Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen is being ‘lined up’ by the Parisians for a lucrative summer switch. Arsenal and Chelsea had both been posturing to strike for the Nigerian, who has a release clause of over £100million in his current contract.
PSG will have cash to burn after shifting Mbappe from the wage bill – even if they have to let him go for free – with the World Cup winner’s salary setting them back an eye-watering £171m per season.
Mbappe was the subject of a world record £256m transfer offer from Al-Hilal in the summer but the Saudi Pro League side were unable to make progress. PSG are believed to be trying to steer away from an era of welcoming big-name stars to the Parc des Princes.
Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergio Ramos have all left the French capital in the past year, and Mbappe’s prospective departure would mark another major shift in the club’s direction.
