In the midst of uncertainty surrounding the future of Neymar and Barcelona-linked Lionel Messi, the name of Kylian Mbappe has once again come up in Real Madrid circles, with recent reports suggesting that the club could go after the Frenchman in the coming summer.
A recent report from MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra) has offered an update on Real Madrid’s supposed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe. It clarifies that Real Madrid have no intention of going after Mbappe at the end of the season, despite the ongoing situation that is developing at PSG this summer.
The club do not deny the talent possessed by the former AS Monaco and the fact that he could be an asset for the team in the years to come. However, they believe that the time has passed for Real Madrid to go after Mbappe, at least in the coming months.
The French international was linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu last summer. He was even close to joining the club, but opted to sign a renewal at the last minute, subsequently pledging his future to PSG.
Real Madrid believe Mbappe’s decision to renew his contract at Parc des Princes. The player has indeed endured a difficult relationship with the board since signing a new contract. He was reportedly unhappy with the way the club failed to sign a new number nine last summer.
The report from MARCA further points out that Real Madrid have no intention of sitting down with PSG and negotiating a deal for Mbappe. The club will not give even €1 to the French outfit, as the relationship between the two clubs is completely broken.
Real Madrid, therefore, will focus on the pursuit of Jude Bellingham this summer. The club have an understanding with the English midfielder but must find an agreement with Borussia Dortmund before they can finalise the deal.
Victor Osimhen is a wanted man! Real Madrid the latest to be linked with Napoli forward after cooling interest in Kylian Mbappe
Osimhen is a wanted man in Europe following a fantastic season for Napoli, and Real Madrid have now entered the race too.
WHAT HAPPENED? Real Madrid want to sign a reliable striker who can deputise for Karim Benzema and eventually replace him. Now, according to a report from Fichajes, the man they want to bring to the Santiago Bernabeu is Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Madrid have had to rely on Benzema’s goals ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018, and the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has come into his own ever since, firing Los Blancos to their 14th Champions League title in 2021-22.
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As good as Benzema has been, he won’t be around forever, although he is set to stay at least until 2024. At 35, he has certainly entered the twilight of his career, and Madrid will be keen on finding an able replacement before their second highest goalscorer of all-time calls it a day at the Bernabeu.
Osimhen might just be the answer Real Madrid are looking for. The Nigerian forward is not only young, but has also accumulated the experience of playing and performing in crucial games. Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years, thanks to Osimhen’s imperious form in front of goal. They also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
AND WHAT’S MORE: After Kylian Mbappe snubbed Los Merengues last summer, Real Madrid president is reluctant to negotiate with PSG for signing the player.
If Madrid manage to sign Osimhen, the probability Mbappe switching allegiances for the Whites would become highly unlikely.
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WHAT NEXT FOR OSIMHEN? The leading goalscorer in Serie A, Osimhen will be hoping to add to his tally of 23 goals when Napoli host Inter next Sunday.