The Kylian Mbappe transfer saga looks set to dominate this summer’s transfer window as Paris Saint-Germain look to resolve their superstar’s future.
Mbappe has outlined his intention not to renew his current contract with PSG beyond 2024, meaning he is set to leave the French capital on a free next summer as it stands.
The Les Bleus captain angered the PSG hierarchy when club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi outlined his plan to sell the 24-year-old unless he signs a new contract.
Real Madrid remain Mbappe’s first choice to leave, but with PSG potentially willing to sell to the highest bidder, clubs from Saudi Arabia are now battling to complete the sensational move.
Kylian Mbappe transfer latest
Mbappe has been omitted from the PSG preseason squad travelling to Japan as the club seek to reach a conclusion over his plans before the Ligue 1 campaign starts on August 12.
PSG’s stance is based around frustration and financial pragmatism, as they look to bring in a huge fee for Mbappe, despite the striker having less than 12 months left on his contract.
Real Madrid’s original plan was to complete a free transfer in 2024 with Mbappe free to negotiate with non-French teams from January of next year.
However, PSG’s approach will not cause a knee-jerk reaction in Madrid, as Los Blancos assess their options and remain confident over Mbappe’s determination to join them.
As per reports from Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid are calm over the situation, as they know Mbappe is committed to pushing for his No.1 option.
PSG are under pressure to ensure they receive a sizeable fee and do not suffer a reputational hit in the negotiations.
Could Kylian Mbappe move to Saudi Arabia?
French TV station RMC Sport have claimed PSG’s willingness to sell to whoever comes closest to their €200m valuation has brought Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal into the equation.
That was backed up by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano who has since reported Al Hilal have submitted a world record €300m ($332m) offer for the France winger.
The Saudi Pro League have undergone an incredible summer of spending so far, with Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and N’Golo Kante amongst the star names heading to the Middle East, but a move for Mbappe is on another level.
Al Hilal are part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) financing project, and they can afford PSG’s valuation, with the potential to offer Mbappe an eye-watering €200m annual salary.
It’s reported that Mbappe is unmoved by the update, and that there have been no personal talks with the player and his camp. It was initially reported that PSG are convinced he has agreed a contract with Real Madrid, but the Telegraph claim the Ligue 1 champions have have given permission for Al Hilal to open talks with Mbappe.
Premier League side Chelsea are also said to be monitoring the situation, but the Blues are currently looking to offload players, after 12 months of huge spending at Stamford Bridge.
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