Paris Saint-Germain is under the belief that Kylian Mbappe has already committed to joining Real Madrid in a cost-free transfer during the upcoming summer.
On Monday, PSG dispatched a letter to Mbappe, explicitly stating that unless he consents to prolong his contract by the end of this month, he will be put up for sale this summer.
If he refuses to extend, PSG will promptly sell him to the highest bidder without any concern for his destination. The transaction would be purely transactional, devoid of any emotional attachment.
Previously, there was an impression that PSG would hesitate to engage in business with Real Madrid. However, in the event that Mbappe fails to renew his contract, they will be open to selling him to any potential buyer with the means to meet the purchase price, estimated at around £150m.
In their letter on Monday, PSG conveyed to Mbappe that his choice of not extending his contract has inflicted significant damage upon the club. They implored him to consider extending his contract as a means of assisting the club that has been supportive to both him and his family.
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Mbappe's existing contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Following the introduction of Luis Enrique as the new manager, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi explicitly expressed his stance, stating, "I want to reiterate my clear position: if Kylian desires to remain, we wholeheartedly wish for him to do so. Nevertheless, the precondition for his continuation is signing a fresh contract."
We cannot allow the best player in the world to depart without compensation. It is simply unacceptable - especially for a French club.
He made it clear that he would never depart without a fee. If he were to have a change of heart now, it would not be due to any fault of mine. It is crystal clear that we have no intention of relinquishing the best player in the world without proper compensation.
Analysis: Battle of wills between PSG and Mbappe
We News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
PSG president has made it clear that although the club desires for Kylian Mbappe to remain, he must agree to a new contract. Failure to do so would compel them to part ways with him. Currently, Mbappe's contract concludes next summer, and there is an opportunity to extend it for an additional year, which the player has declined.
PSG are expressing their inability to let go of the world's top player without receiving any compensation next summer. It is evident that he desires a move to Real Madrid, intending to allow his contract to expire and join Madrid as a free agent, leaving PSG empty-handed.
In such a scenario, Mbappe would receive both a signing bonus and higher wages, along with a likely loyalty bonus from PSG. However, Al-Khelaifi, the PSG president, is firmly against this outcome. Thus, a clash of determination has ensued.
Is Mbappe and his team using this as a mere negotiating strategy and planning to stay?
Or is Real Madrid employing a clever tactic by subtly stating that they will not make any further signings in this transfer window, and instead making a move for Mbappe towards the end of the summer?