Real Madrid will look to exploit the uncertainty at Paris Saint-Germain this summer and explore a potential world record move for Kylian Mbappe alongside their pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
The Spanish champions have discussed both players arriving in what would likely be a record summer of spending to be part of a new ‘Galacticos’ team that could dominate Europe over the next decade.
After opening talks over a deal for England midfielder Bellingham – and stealing a march on Champions League semi-final opponents Manchester City – they are also ready to revive their long-term interest in Mbappe, who they attempted to sign for £170 million before he signed a new deal with his French club in 2022.
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PSG are on the brink of winning Ligue 1 but are braced for change in the coming months, with Lionel Messi out of contract and considering a lucrative offer from Arabia. The club have condemned fans for gathering outside Neymar’s home and chanting for the Brazilian superstar to leave.
Mbappe has publicly criticised his own club for using his image too prominently on their promotional material for season tickets. “I disagree with this posted video. It is certainly not Kylian Saint-Germain,” he wrote in a statement after its release, insisting he had no editorial involvement.
Mbappe, 24, signed a new deal at PSG last year but also talked to Real Madrid before making his decision. He was unveiled with a 2025 printed shirt when the contract was announced but it has been widely reported since that the final year is an option. The possibility of having one season left on his terms could see clubs putting pressure on PSG with offers this summer.
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They are determined to keep Mbappe at Parc de Princes and club sources say they will do anything possible to keep him and build a team around him. Teenagers Warren Zaïre-Emery and El Chadaille Bitshiabu have received game time this season as the club look to the future with their young players.
Real Madrid will look to revive their interest in Mbappe if there is a hint he would be available on the market. They were upset at missing out on him in 2022, while La Liga lodged a complaint with UEFA, Europe’s governing body, over the PSG contract extension. They branded it “scandalous” due to PSG’s financial losses.
Mbappe has been on Real Madrid’s agenda as they look to continue an incredible run of five Champions League titles in the last nine years. With their tie against City at 1-1 after the leg, veteran Galacticos Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos are within sight of another triumph.
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Real Madrid also have a raft of younger players currently in the first team, with Eduardo Camavinga setting up Vinicius Jr for the breathtaking opening goal against City. Aurélien Tchouaméni came off the bench and Bellingham has been targeted as a midfielder who could fit into their team immediately.
They wanted to sign Erling Haaland before the striker opted to join City and there has been talk of “Operation Haaland” being reactivated – but that would be further down the line rather than this summer.
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