Kylian Mbappe has drowned hints that he has decided to move away from Paris Saint-Germain this year with cold water. The 25-year-old could begin preliminary negotiations with clubs across Europe for a summer transfer, after the final six months of his contract began to expire.
Given the unusual circumstances that have led to Mbappe’s deal reaching this stage, it promises to be one of the biggest transfers in modern football history, and one that is effectively free. Given this, it is not surprising that some of England’s top clubs are already being linked with the player’s transfer.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the teams looking for a new striker this year, after scoring problems in the first half of the 2023/24 season prevented them from reaching their full potential. Both clubs have been strongly linked with moves for Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen this month, but mid-season contracts for both seem increasingly unlikely.
Mbappe himself would not move until the summer, as he could leave PSG when his contract expires, but preparations can be made now and a pre-contract can be signed. However, the two-time World Cup golden ball winner does not want to get ahead of himself.
“I haven’t decided on my future yet. I haven’t decided,” he said when asked about his future. “Nobody talks about my position at the club, it’s not a topic.” These words echo those of head coach Luis Enrique earlier this week.
The former Spain boss said: “Enrique said: “I will continue to do what I have done until today with Kylian.” Enrique initially left Mbappe out of his squad for the pre-season tour of Japan after a dramatic series of events. Mbappe first informed PSG that he would not trigger a one-year contract extension that would have tied him down until 2025, and the club then tried to sell him in the summer to avoid a possible free transfer.
The French star was sent to train with a group of outcasts and promised not to play for the club again. But things quickly changed and Mbappe played a key role in Enrique’s first season, scoring 18 goals in 16 games. PSG will now have no choice but to let their main man leave.
Liverpool and Real Madrid are also among the teams being linked with Mbappe’s move, with the Spanish giants most expected to seal the deal. However, it has previously been reported that PSG are keen to do everything possible to prevent Mbappe’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, there is no reason to believe that Arsenal and Chelsea are planning a life with the former Monaco player, but they will undoubtedly be monitoring the situation for its almost unprecedented nature.
