Emmanuel Macron to persuade Real Madrid to release Kylian Mbappe for Paris Olympics as ‘National Issue’ claim emerges: Reportse
France President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Real Madrid chief Fiorentino Perez to discuss Kylian Mbappe's availability for the upcoming Paris Olympics to be held in 2024.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Macron considers it a matter of national importance that the 24-year-old features in the tournament. Thus, the meeting between the pair is considered a golden opportunity to convince Los Blancos to let him play in the tournament.
Mbappe announced last week that he would officially leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. Real Madrid have courted him for a long time, with the attacker close to joining back in the summer of 2022 but he eventually stayed and signed an extension. This time, however, it seems confirmed that the French superstar will make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 2024 Olympics is set to kick off officially on July 26, with non-medal events beginning two days earlier. The football group stage begins on July 24, with the gold medal match scheduled for August 9. Hosts France have been drawn into Group A alongside the United States, Guinea, and New Zealand.
Manchester United express interest in signing Real Madrid star
Manchester United are looking to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, the Red Devils are looking to make a massive offer to sign the Ukrainian.
Lunin has served as Los Blancos' backup keeper since 2021. However, a ligament injury to first-choice Thibaut Courtois in pre-season saw the Spanish giants sign Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan. While the Spaniard played the first few games of the campaign, Lunin has eventually taken over as the starter. He has made 35 appearances across all competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets.
However, Courtois could return in time to start for Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. This means that the 25-year-old could go back to being the reserve option.
Thus, Manchester United are preparing a huge offer to entice him to move to Old Trafford. Following the departure of David de Gea in the summer, they signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan reportedly for €50 million.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper had a difficult start to life in Manchester but has eventually turned his fortunes. He has played in 50 games, keeping 13 clean sheets. They have conceded 82 goals this campaign, which could lead United to pursue a different option between the sticks.