PSG dealt major blow in transfer pursuit of Mbappe replacement

Suraj Radia

• 29 Feb 2024 16:41 GMT
• 4 min read

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing for the unenviable task of replacing Kylian Mbappe this summer, however they have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of one of their top transfer targets.

Mbappe is in talks to sign for Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season, leaving a substantial hole in PSG’s team which the Ligue 1 side are already working on filling.

Although Mbappe has yet to strike a deal with Real, the 25-year-old is understood to have told PSG of his intention to leave the club upon the end of his deal.

READ MORE: Latest Kylian Mbappe transfer news

With PSG appeared to be resigned to their fate, the French giants have sounded out replacements and Rafael Leao is expected to be near the top of their list, however the Portguese interational has revealed he has no desire to leave Milan this summer.

The 24-year-old was speaking at a press conference surrounding the release of his new book and, when asked by journalists where he saw his future, Leao replied: “In Milan.”

He added: “I could not leave Milan, they were always close to me, even during the most difficult moments of my life. They helped me grow as a man and as a player. My education is based on loyalty."

PSG not looking for direct Mbappe replacement as Leao interest cools

Leao signed a new contract with Milan last summer, keeping him with the Italian side until 2028, although Newcastle and Arsenal were among the sides who had been linked with a move for the winger this summer.

There is believed to be a release clause of around €175 million in Leao’s contract, which PSG would reportedly be able to meet, however the club’s interest is also thought to have cooled in recent times.

READ MORE: Leao and the potential Mbappe replacements at PSG

French outlet RMC Sport claim that, while PSG admire Leao, they are not looking to directly replace Mbappe with another left winger as they believe any signing would harm the development of Bradley Barcola, whom has impressed since signing from Lyon last summer.

Instead, PSG will look to strengthen across their team by targeting a defensive midfielder and a defender, although a striker such as Victor Osimhen is also being considered.