Real Madrid will reportedly wait till the summer of 2021 to make a move for Ligue 1 duo Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga.
According to a report from Spanish publication Sport, Real Madrid will put their pursuit of PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and Rennes’s midfield sensation Eduardo Camavinga on hold until the summer of 2021.
It is no secret that Real Madrid have been eyeing a swoop for Mbappe for quite some time now. The French World Cup winner has established himself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the game, despite being all of 21. He had another spectacular campaign in 2019/20, bagging 30 goals in 33 matches in all competitions to lead PSG to another Ligue 1 title.
Camavinga, on the other hand, has been one of the biggest breakout stars in the French top-flight this term. The 17-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign, helping the club finish third in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Champions League. Real Madrid have been sniffing around to sign the teenage prodigy as well, as a cover and eventually the long-term replacement for Casemiro.
However, they are now set to put their pursuit of the enterprising Ligue 1 duo on hold. The reason behind this, as per the report, is that Real Madrid are hesitant to splash the cash at a time when finances have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
Given Mbappe’s standing, it is likely to take a world record transfer fee to pry him away from PSG this summer. As far as Camavinga is concerned, Rennes are unwilling to sell him ahead of their Champions League journey next season. Even if they consider offloading their crown jewel, they will demand a transfer fee of around €60 million, which Real Madrid are not willing to meet.
Hence, the Merengues are prepared to wait it out for a year before eventually swooping in for their prime targets. What makes it even more beneficial for Real Madrid is the fact that both Mbappe and Camavinga are contracted only till 2022 with PSG and Rennes, respectively.
That means, the duo will be entering the final twelve months of their deals in 2021, and Real Madrid can sign them for a much cheaper price as their respective clubs will be forced to cash in or lose them for nothing a year later.
While the possibility of them signing new deals does exist, Mbappe has reportedly turned down numerous attempts from PSG to put pen to paper on a new deal, as he desires to play for Real Madrid. As for Camavinga, Rennes are yet to hold talks over a new contract, but the 17-year-old is aware of Madrid’s interest in him and as a result, may be unwilling to ink a new deal.
Given the current financial climate, no club is likely to be able to afford signing Mbappe this summer. Camavinga, though, has a number of suitors such as Manchester United, who have the clout to pull off a deal in the upcoming transfer window. So, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid’s scheme does end up paying dividends next year.
