‘I will fight with all my might to keep Mbappe and Neymar,’ says Pochettino

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe continue to be linked with moves away from Paris Saint-Germain, but coach Mauricio Pochettino is not prepared to say goodbye.

Speaking to Cadena Ser, the former Tottenham boss hailed the importance of the pair and spoke of his relationship with the two stars just three months into his role as coach.

“The objective is to keep the best players. The club wants to win the Champions League and the objective of this club is to keep Neymar and Kylian for many years,” he said.

“Every team wants to have them in their ranks. I am optimistic that they will say.”

The Argentine spoke glowingly of his relationship with the star duo, despite having only been in the job for a short amount of time.

“For three months we have had a very good relationship, both players are very committed to the club,” he said.

“After sharing a changing room with Kylian for three months, I will fight with all my might to keep him with us,” he said.

Neymar is set to ink big new PSG contract

Both Neymar and Mbappe’s current PSG deals expire in the summer of 2022, but the Brazilian is believed to be on the brink of confirming fresh terms at Parc des Princes.

Mbappe however has been more intensely linked with a move away, with Real Madrid believed to be leading the race ahead of a number of suitors from the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has reportedly turned down multiple contract offers from PSG and just a couple of weeks ago admitted that he has yet to make a decision on his future.

The club have insisted they remain calm and confident of an agreement being made in due course, but as time goes on the situation appears to be more unclear.

If Pochettino’s words are anything to go by, the Parisians will do whatever it takes to keep hold of their No.7 for as long as they can.