Kylian Mbappe dismisses Real Madrid link as 'lies', says he is 'very happy' at Paris Saint-Germain
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Updated 13/06/2023 at 13:58 GMT
Kylian Mbappe has taken to social media to dismiss a report from Le Parisien that he is seeking a move to Real Madrid this summer. News broke on Monday that Mbappe had told the Paris club that he would not be renewing his contract at PSG, which expires in 2024. The player confirmed that stance to AFP on Tuesday. However, he denied he is seeking a move to Madrid this summer.
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Kylian Mbappe has denied reports that he wants to move to Real Madrid this summer.
The PSG forward took exception to a report from Le Parisien that he wanted to move to the Bernabeu following Karim Benzema's exit from the club.
Mbappe called the report a lie on Twitter, adding: "I have already said that I will continue next season at PSG where I am very happy."
The 24-year-old's latest intervention followed the issuing of a statement clarifying his contract situation at the Ligue 1 club. He told AFP that he had never discussed an extension with the club.
The statement to AFP came a day after Mbappe wrote to the reigning Ligue 1 champions confirming his intention not to extend his deal beyond 2024, when his current terms are set to expire.
PSG were reportedly taken aback by the 24-year-old's decision and have delivered an ultimatum to the World Cup winner, telling him that he must agree on a new deal or risk being sold this summer.
In a bid to clarify his position, Mbappe told AFP there were never any discussions about a contract extension, claiming the club have been aware of his decision since July 15, 2022.
He said: "PSG's administrative council has been informed since 15th July 2022 of my decision not to extend beyond 2024, and the letter that was sent only served to confirm what I had already told them."
The statement explains the purpose of the letter, which was leaked to French media, was to reinforce the decision that had already been communicated orally.
It reads Mbappe "and his entourage regret that the letter was circulated in the media and that these exchanges were made public with the sole aim of damaging their image and the discussions with the club".
Regarding his immediate future, Mbappe insists he has not pushed for a move this summer, but has merely informed the club about his decision not to activate the additional year. However, PSG would risk not earning a profit on the player if he leaves for free next summer.
Having invested around £155 million to sign Mbappe from Monaco in 2018, Paris Saint-Germain will be contemplating a potential sale to recoup some of their investment. Real Madrid have a longstanding interest in the French forward and is considered a prominent contender for his signature, as they search for a new attacking option.
Mbappe's future took a dramatic turn in 2022 when he made a U-turn on a potential move to Real Madrid and instead chose to stay at PSG, signing an extension until 2024 with the option of another year.
Reports also claim that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is set to express his interest in acquiring the services of Mbappe this summer, with hopes of luring him to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United are also said to be considering a move for Mbappe but will wait until a full takeover at Old Trafford is confirmed before making a bid. Currently, a Qatari bid appears to be in the lead for United ownership, although British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan, is also vying for ownership, with the Glazer family remaining as minority shareholders under his offer.
Last season, Mbappe scored 29 goals in 34 league appearances, securing his fifth Ligue 1 title with PSG and his sixth overall.
PSG may face the prospect of losing not only Mbappe but also Lionel Messi, who is set to join Inter Miami, and Neymar, who could be headed to Saudi Arabia, all in the same summer.
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