PARIS, France – The summer transfer season continues to heat up, with five clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, reported to be vying for the signature of Paris-Saint Germain’s star striker, Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, 24, has established a firm footing in the upper echelons of the football world, with an impressive tally of goals last season that earned him the Ligue 1 Golden Boot and a stunning hat-trick in the World Cup final.
News of the forward’s availability has sent shockwaves throughout the football community.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Saturday, July 22, 2023, on his YouTube channel, “Kylian Mbappe is out of the PSG squad, excluded for the pre-season tour in Japan. Now he is available, and on the market, they are prepared to negotiate with any club.”
There has been long-standing speculation that Real Madrid is the likeliest destination for the Frenchman, possibly on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. However, PSG’s willingness to negotiate his departure this summer to avoid losing him for nothing adds an unexpected twist to the saga.
Spanish outlet Marca has reported that Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, Al-Hilal, and Real Madrid are all monitoring the situation closely.
This development comes amid speculation that Tottenham’s Harry Kane could be leaving North London, with Bayern Munich, PSG, and Al-Hilal said to be interested in the 29-year-old. Should Kane be sold, Tottenham could potentially use the proceeds to fund a move for Mbappe.
Valued at €180m (£155.7 million) by Transfermarkt, Mbappe’s fee could even surpass this amount given his proven track record and market demand.
While there has also been speculation about Arsenal’s interest in Mbappe, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped. “You know I never talk about players that don’t play for our club,” he told journalists over the weekend.
With the transfer window still open, the final destination of Mbappe remains uncertain, making for one of this summer’s most intriguing sagas.
