Forget Rashford! PSG line up BIZARRE Mbappe replacement

Tom Weber

• Updated: 12 Feb 2024 15:45 GMT
• 3 min read

PSG could sign Serge Gnabry as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, according to German media.

The French megastar's departure for Real Madrid is increasingly looking like just a matter of time. After once again running down his contract, Mbappe, it seems, will finally make the move to the Spanish capital.

As a result, PSG will likely need to sign a big-name replacement, though they also have Xavi Simons on the books, who will return from his impressive Leipzig loan in the summer and who can also feature on the left wing despite primarily playing on the right.

Nevertheless, there is still no guarantee that the Dutchman will actually be given a chance. He could just as well be flipped for profit to balance the books, after all PSG paid just €4 million to re-sign him from PSV.

The names of a lot of potential Mbappe replacements have been bandied about in recent weeks, with Man Utd's Marcus Rashford the most high-profile player reportedly under consideration. Now, however, a new and somewhat strange star has also entered the picture.

Gnabry to PSG?

According to BILD's Lukas Fischer, Serge Gnabry is a concrete target for the French giants in the event of Mbappe's departure. In fact, the journalist goes so far as to claim that he is the 'top candidate' and that a potential transfer is 'heating up.'

The player is understood to be keen on the move and Bayern would be willing to grant his wish, having already reportedly transfer listed him in January for €55m. Fischer also asserts that PSG have been tracking the German international for some time.

While the ex-Arsenal man is undoubtedly a great player, it would be a bizarre move on the part of PSG. Gnabry is three years Mbappe's senior, a significantly worse player and has barely featured so far this term due to injury, only scoring once when fit, hence why Bayern are willing to cash in on him.

For €55m, you could easily get a younger player with massive upside to replace the megastar - or you could try to get Rashford; it's not like PSG are strapped for cash. It would be strange for the French giants to pursue a deal for Gnabry at this stage of his career.