Kylian Mbappe: Real Madrid make €160m transfer offer for PSG forward

Kylian Mbappe only has a year remaining on his current deal

Real Madrid have made an official approach for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, understood to be an offer of €160m.

Sources close to the situation believe the move is mostly a signal of intent from the Spanish club, and political posturing, which is more to stay ahead in the race for the French star’s signature.

Mbappe only has a year left on his contract and has rejected three new contract offers from PSG, amid the widespread belief that he has decided to leave. That would create a huge rush for one of the most valuable free transfers in history next summer.

The feeling around Europe is that Madrid president Florentino Perez is showing Mbappe just how much they want him by bidding now, while attempting to keep the club’s position at the very front of the race.

The Bernabeu hierarchy have been one of many badly hit by Covid, especially as they refurbish the stadium. They have nevertheless been reshaping their finances so they are in a position to go back in for a traditional “Galactico” signing.

There have been no major purchases since 2019, and a number of big earners have been shed from the wage bill, including Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos.

Many have long said it is Perez’s latest “dream” to unite Mbappe and Erling Haaland at the club from 2022, but the French international is by far the number-one target. It would naturally aid that if Mbappe arrived on a free, which is why many in France are waiting to see whether this is really just a “first offer” – as has been leaked to the Spanish press. Madrid going back in with a second would be telling.

On the other side, Madrid are known to be Mbappe’s first choice due to the historic glamour of the club, but sources close to the situation say his camp has been more open to other offers in the last few months.

There have long been reports of Liverpool’s interest, but if Mbappe’s future is still open by the turn of the year it will spark a frenzy.

Madrid also see this as a good time to re-establish their superiority in Spain, amid an ongoing crisis at Barcelona. That situation has seen Lionel Messi leave for PSG, which may yet prove influential in Mbappe’s departure.

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