A fresh insight into the future of Paris-Saint Germain superstar and chief Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé has today been forthcoming.
It is of course world football’s worst kept secret that negotiations over a summer transfer are currently in full swing between France international Mbappé, and the brass at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Ahead of the imminent expiration of the frontman’s terms with Ligue 1 champions PSG, Los Blancos were given the green light to reignite their long-standing pursuit of the 25-year-old.
Media reports have since pointed towards discussions between the parties as having reached various stages, some adamant that an agreement is close, others assuring that work remains to be done.
As the weeks continue to pass, and no deal is made public, though, concerns will no doubt be mounting in Spain’s capital, regarding the possibility of Mbappé, yet again, pulling the plug on talks with Florentino Pérez and co.
So, why the hold up?
An insight into as much has today been provided, by reliable outlet The Athletic.
Citing sources close to the negotiation process, it is suggested that the Frenchman was previously leaning towards putting pen to paper on the latest contract offer put before him by Real.
However, the involvement of several ‘influential members of his entourage’ has given rise to hesitancy on Mbappé’s part.
The individuals in question are understood to have been left unconvinced by the financial terms laid out by the La Liga leaders, in the knowledge that more lucrative figures could be secured either with PSG, or at another of the continent’s heavyweight clubs.
Real Madrid president Pérez, for his part, feels that he has done ‘everything possible’ to convince Mbappé, hopeful that, in the end, such efforts will bear fruit.
But the fact remains that Los Merengues cannot even come close to matching the contract terms on offer in Paris, coming in around €75 million-per-season, after tax.
Initially, the PSG standout is said to have given ‘positive indications’ to his long-time suitors, to the point that Carlo Ancelotti was made aware that he should prepare for having Mbappé at his disposal for next season.
However, The Athletic add that ‘sources consulted say that the player’s entourage is now divided on how to proceed’.
Mbappé, as a result, remains undecided, and has therefore not communicated a final decision on his future to either Real Madrid, or PSG.
Conor Laird | GSFN
