KYLIAN MBAPPE has confirmed he will stay at Paris Saint Germain next season in a huge blow to Real Madrid’s transfer plans.
The French striker has been heavily linked with Real but his comments may have forced Los Blancos to rethink their next move.
Kylian Mbappe says he is staying at Real Madrid next season
Speaking after PSG’s 4-0 thrashing of Celtic in a friendly on Tuesday, the 21-year-old acted quickly to put rumours of a move this summer to bed.
The talented forward, who the Ligue 1 champions signed from Monaco in 2017 said: “I just have to say that I’m here, I’m in the project for a fourth year.
“For everyone, the directors, the supporters. I’m going to keep going, no matter what.
“I want to help the team win trophies and be the best in the world.”
Mbappe’s PSG contract expires in 2022, meaning if he did depart next summer Real would likely pay far less than they would have to at the end of this season.
Real secured the LaLiga title last Thursday with a 2-1 win over Villareal but they are still expected to do business this summer.
Gareth Bale has been heavily linked with a move away although his agent insists he is going nowhere.
Luka Jovic was also linked with a Bernabeu exit after a disappointing season but Los Blancos may have to reconsider if Mbappe is not coming in up front.
For some time Real’s main targets appeared to be Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
However, Pogba is close to agreeing a new five-year-deal at Manchester United after returning from lockdown in scintillating form and forming a devastating partnership with Bruno Fernandes.
Which leaves just Kante, who Chelsea are reportedly ready to sell in order to raise funds to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz.
Reports emerged recently suggesting Real were already planning a 2021 swoop for Mbappe and Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga.
Zinedine Zindane reportedly told his French compatriots not to renew their contracts with their current clubs.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
