Reports: Paris Saint-Germain agree stunning Kylian Mbappe deal to avoid FFP violations
What's the story?
In what has turned out to be the most intensely debated transfer saga of the summer, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made an astonishing breakthrough and are closing in on the signing of Monaco's Kylian Mbappe in an incredibly clever deal, which will allow them to procure the striker whilst abiding by FFP rules and regulations, claim Sky Sources.
After splurging £200 million on Neymar, the Ligue 1 giants are now on the verge of nabbing Mbappe, who has proven to be one of the hottest prospects in world football. In a bid to circumvent Financial Fair Play rules, Unai Emery's side are keen on recruiting the Frenchman on loan this season, with an option to buy next year.
In case you didn't know...
Kylian Mbappe took the world by storm last season with spectacular performances that helped Monaco lift the Ligue 1 title, as well reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals stage, where they lost to Juventus.
The 18-year old was subject to an intense pursuit from La Liga champions Real Madrid this summer, but to no avail. Other top European clubs like Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal had also expressed interest in signing Mbappe, who has a staggering valuation of £175 million, including add-ons.
The heart of the matter
Despite Real Madrid leading the race for the majority of the summer, Paris Saint-Germain have now emerged as main contenders for Mbappe, and are reportedly on the cusp of completing a coup for the striker.
The teenager is believed to favor a move back to his hometown of Paris to play for PSG, who he has supported since childhood, rather than a move to the Los Blancos in Spain, and has allegedly been pushing for a move internally.
A direct purchase of the striker will undoubtedly endanger PSG, by incurring the wrath of UEFA, as the deal would invariably violate FFP regulations. However, the club's Qatari owners seem to have identified a loophole in the system and are ready to make the most of it.
The Ligue 1 runners-up plan on signing the 18-year old on a loan deal this summer, with an option to buy for an intial fee of £166 million, albeit only next season. While the deal will cost them an astronomical figure, it will only be completed next summer, when the Paris club will not be running any risk of violations.
The move will invariably help Unai Emery kill two birds with one stone, as PSG will not just reinforce their side, but will also weaken riva Monaco, who ran away with the Ligue 1 trophy last season.
Despite claiming that Mbappe will remain at Monaco, the Ligue 1 champions are slowly, but surely begging to accept the fact that Mbappe will leave this summer, and have finally begun to negotiate a deal, with reports suggesting that the transfer will be completed in the next few days.
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Author's Take
Kylian Mbappe has been in blistering form since last season, scoring 26 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions for Monaco last season. Believed to be the next big thing in world football, the 18-year old will be an excellent addition to any side.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain have already shocked the world by purchasing Neymar and have begun their season in emphatic fashion. The addition of Kylian Mbappe won't just make them a European superpower, but could also make them European champions.