Real Madrid 'really optimistic' on Mbappe after PSG identify €100m replacement
Suraj Radia
- 28 Oct 2023 19:14 BST
- 3 min read
Paris Saint-Germain have already identified their replacement for Kylian Mbappe should he join Real Madrid as expected next summer, according to reports in Spain.
Mbappe is in the final year of his contract and has so far resisted any attempts to extend his deal, having opted against activating a one year option this summer.
PSG are hoping to convince Mbappe to sign a new deal but it is looking increasingly likely that he will join Real on a free transfer in 2024 after years of speculation, especially considering his side’s disappointing start to this season.
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While nothing has been firmed yet, Real Madrid are able to approach Mbappe in January over a pre-contract agreement. and El Nacional believe the club to be ‘really optimistic’ of closing a deal.
Part of Real’s confidence is due to PSG already looking at replacements, with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao the focus of the French side due to his similarity in playstyle to Mbappe.
Leao only recently extended his contract with Milan until 2027 but there is believed to be a release clause in his deal worth more than €100 million, which PSG are willing to meet.
Leao the natural replacement for outgoing Mbappe
El Nacional state that PSG had already looked to sign Leao this summer but a deal never came to fruition, while his experience in Ligue 1 with Lille makes the 24-year-old a key target.
PSG have endured a slow start to the new campaign and sit third in Ligue 1, while they are still in danger of not qualifying for the knockouts of the Champions League despite topping their group currently.
Kylian Mbappé is simply out of this world. pic.twitter.com/DtZRWvdSwP
— 𝐌𝐂. (@MbappeCentral) October 28, 2023
While Mbappe has continued to be prolific for Luis Enrique’s side, the optimism is fading from PSG that the French captain will eventually renew his deal, despite previous thoughts that he may consider extending.
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Mbappe is privately thought to have harboured regrets at turning Real Madrid down last year and is not willing to make the same mistake twice, while the Spaniards are also not keen on bringing the forward to the club unless it is on a free transfer.
