French journalist provides interesting update on PSG star and Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe's future
The rumour mill is rife with reports of PSG starlet Kylian Mbappe being on the verge of joining Real Madrid this summer, but a cryptic post from a French investigative journalist suggests there could be a massive twist in the tale.
The 23-year-old's contract with the Ligue 1 champions is up in June and despite refusing to pen a new deal so far, the Parisians haven't given up their hopes of retaining him.
They've reportedly offered to give him 100% of his image rights, the highest wages in football, the captain's armband and most importantly, make him the leader of their sporting project.
This reportedly gives Mbappe a say in the potential appointment of a manager and even offer his views in terms of transfers - something no club normally ever lets their players do. The sensational claims, which were first made by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, were later backed by reputed French journalist Romain Molina.
It appears that all this has indeed tempted the star to stay on in Paris, as journalist Romain Molina posted an interesting Tweet indirectly related to this long-winded saga.
He wrote:
"Money talks (and wins) [Flag of Qatar]"
The tweet seems to be hinting that PSG's Qatari management have won the battle to keep the World Cup-winner, who might have declined Real Madrid's contract.
Los Blancos had reached an agreement with Mbappe and offered him a five-year deal worth €40 million-a-year with an additional €40 million in signing-on bonuses, according to journalist Nico Schira.
Molina's tweet, however, suggests it's all come to nothing, and Mbappe could be set for an extension with PSG.
An official announcement on Mbappe's part is still awaited. It will be interesting to see if the France international really chooses to continue in Paris over the chance to move to La Liga and play for a club he has always admired.
The PSG star could still end up joining Real Madrid
Mbappe is widely touted as a future Ballon d'Or winner and he's expressed his desire to win the Champions League someday too.
He will have a better chance of getting his hands on both with Real Madrid than PSG, who've consistently failed in their European pursuit despite heavy spending.
His numbers with the Parisians are staggering but will carry more weight if he's able to post the same in a more competitive league like La Liga.
Los Blancos also have Champions League DNA, having won it a record 13 times, and are about to play yet another final next week. While the final decision is in Mbappe's hands, PSG seem to have gone all out to persuade the France international to stay.