Kylian Mbappe is still not planning to extend his contract beyond June 2024 at Paris Saint-Germain despite the latest threat from president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and he is beginning to assume he may have to leave this summer with Real Madrid as his preferred option, sources have told ESPN.
Al-Khelaifi’s comments have not impressed or intimidated the PSG forward. Sources have told ESPN that Mbappe, who is in Cameroon — the country where his dad is from — for three days on holidays, is relaxed about the situation.
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Meanwhile, Madrid are still hopeful of being able to conclude a deal that they estimate will be worth over €200 million ($217.87m) but they want Mbappe or PSG to make the first move before negotiations can officially begin.
Madrid want to avoid last summer’s drama when the France captain decided to sign a new contract with PSG at the last minute in a incredible twist despite Madrid being confident that his arrival appeared to be over the line.
The strategy of the team presided by Madrid president Florentino Perez is to keep a low profile and wait for Mbappe or PSG to make the first step towards a transfer before making a definitive bid for his signature.
Madrid is the only club Mbappe wants to join this summer, sources told ESPN, and they also are the only one capable of affording him.
ESPN have reported that the LaLIga giants have everything in place for when they get the green light either from Mbappe or PSG. They are aware that the deal will exceed the €200m given the fee, add-ons and commission.
According to ESPN sources, there has been no contact between the two clubs although Madrid have been talking to Mbappe’s entourage for some time.
Last month, Mbappe publicly said that he wanted to stay at PSG for another season but Al-Khelaifi was clear earlier this week with an ultimatum to his star player.
“Kylian must decide in a week or two at the most. If he doesn’t sign a new contract, we will sell him. It’s not negotiable,” Al-Khelaifi said on Wednesday in a news conference for the unveiling of new manager Luis Enrique.
According to ESPN sources, PSG have put themselves in a much weaker position with negotiations by being so public about Mbappe’s contract situation.
Mbappe has never promised PSG that he was opposed to leaving as a free agent but he would prefer to leave with the club receiving a transfer fee so they have funds to sign a replacement.
Sources added that there has been no progress made with negotiations between PSG and Mbappe. The forward is set to receive a loyalty bonus worth €70m from PSG if he stays with them for another season but Madrid are confident it won’t hinder their chances of signing him.