Real Madrid have reportedly turned their attention towards Kylian Mbappe, with PSG teammate Neymar no longer a summer target.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Neymar has only been a smokescreen for Real Madrid’s real attacking target for the summer transfer window. Kylian Mbappe is the subject of interest once again for Los Blancos, who intend to swoop him away from Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe may still be in his teens, but he has had the world of football at his feet for a couple of seasons now, thanks to his exploits in France as well as Europe. Following a stellar debut campaign at AS Monaco, the player has enjoyed further success with PSG, winning all three domestic trophies in 2017-18.
His personal record continues to be astounding, with Mbappe boasting a record of 21 goals and 16 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. Therefore, it’s not one bit surprising that the Frenchman is a highly sought-after player in the transfer market for the second successive summer transfer window.
Another reason why clubs might be pondering a possible move is the fact that PSG only had Mbappe on a loan deal from Monaco, although they are obligated to sign him for €180 million. Nevertheless, one of his long-time suitors – Real Madrid – seem to be back in the reckoning for the player.
Los Blancos have long been linked with Mbappe’s teammate, Neymar, over a sensational summer move. But, as it now turns out, the rumours may have been created as a smokescreen to make a move for their real target – the 19-year-old French international.
Neymar or Mbappe, Real Madrid do seem to be in need of attacking reinforcements as they look set for a squad revamp in the summer after a disastrous league campaign. Part of the revamp is likely to see either Karim Benzema or Gareth Bale (or both) depart from the Bernabeu to make way for a new Galactico.
And, Mbappe, with his abilities and versatility to play across the field in attack is an attractive target indeed for Real Madrid. The teenager would also be more expendable to PSG, who would be able to avoid possible Financial Fair Play sanctions if they don’t sign him on a permanent deal than lose their star man, Neymar instead.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, they view Mbappe as a player who would be better suited to Zinedine Zidane’s squad than Neymar. It now remains to be seen if Mbappe’s time at PSG indeed comes to an end after just one season.
