Five Real Madrid transfer targets now Mbappe will stay at PSG

Suraj Radia

Updated: 22 May 2022 07:36 CDT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, PSG, 2021-22 — © ProShots

Real Madrid were expecting to make Kylian Mbappe their marquee summer signing but the Spanish side are dealing with the news that the striker is staying at Paris Saint-Germain.

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Mbappe’s deal was set to expire next month and he was long thought to have an agreement with Madrid dating all the way back to last summer.

However, PSG were desperate to tie down their talismanic forward and Mbappe announced that he has agreed a bumper three-year deal, keeping him in Paris until 2025.

FootballTransfers looks at what alternatives Real could now turn to should they miss out on their number one target.

Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Riyad Mahrez has established himself as one of the best wingers in world football and the Algerian is said to be Madrid’s preferred alternative target to Mbappe.

Despite being significantly older than the Frenchman at 31, Mahrez is coming off the back of his most prolific season ever, having scored 24 goals in all competitions this year.

And though he is considered one of Manchester City’s key players, the English side could be tempted to cash in on an aging player entering the final year of his deal.

Yeremy Pino (Villarreal)

Although not as proven as Mbappe, winger Yeremy Pino has built a name as one of the breakout talents in La Liga this year.

The 19-year-old made 31 league appearances for Villarreal this season and has been capped four times by the Spain national side, scoring once.

While Pino would need some time to develop, he is undoubtedly a star of the future and Real may choose to move quickly to beat rivals to his signature.

Raphinha (Leeds)

With Leeds United one game away from Premier League relegation, the future of Raphinha will certainly be up for discussion this summer.

Barcelona keen admirers of the 25-year-old and have made him a priority target, but Real could represent an attractive option.

Raphinha’s 10 goals this season have seen him break into the Brazil national side where he has scored three times in seven games.

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Another player strongly linked with a move to Barcelona is legendary forward Robert Lewandowski, who has told Bayern Munich of his desire to leave this summer.

The Pole is looking for a new challenge after eight seasons in Germany and has allegedly set his sights on a move to Camp Nou.

However, Real have been long-time admirers of the 33-year-old and could hijack the deal in order to beat their bitter rivals to the punch.

Darwin Nunez (Benfica)

It seems every team in Europe is exploring the possibility of signing Darwin Nunez and Real will be no different should the Mbappe deal fall through.

The 22-year-old has been one of the standout stars of the season, netting 34 goals in all competitions for Benfica.

Nunez will have no shortage of suitors however, having spent a season with Almeria prior to moving to Portugal, Nunez could favour a return to Spain with Los Blancos.