Kylian Mbappe has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he does not intend to extend his current contract with the club sparking speculation that Arsenal could make a shock swoop for his signature
Kylian Mbappe has clear Arsenal transfer preference as PSG set Real Madrid deadline. (Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) (Image: Christian Liewig – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain are open to selling Kylian Mbappe this summer after the French superstar informed them that he would not extend his contract. Mbappe’s current deal is set to expire next year sparking speculation that he could sign for Real Madrid in the next 12 months.
Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for the 24-year-old who scored 41 goals and provided a further 10 assists in 43 appearances last term. PSG have made their stance very clear: extend your contract or be sold this summer.
The Ligue 1 champions are expected to demand a fee in the region of €200million (£170million) for Mbappe – something not many clubs can afford. Real Madrid are seen as the most likely destination for the French striker – but after spending over £100million on Jude Bellingham, it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos can afford Mbappe this summer unless they look to sell some key players.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have both been linked with exits from the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of next season – but both players would cost a significant fee. 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.
Arsenal look set to take their summer spending over £200million with the imminent arrivals of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. Kai Havertz has already been signed in a £65million deal from Chelsea and it’s thought the Gunners spending will not end once Rice and Timber have joined Arteta’s squad.