PSG are reportedly ready to part ways with Kylian Mbappe after just one year, and are set to propose a swap offer to Barcelona involving Philippe Coutinho.
According to a report by Spanish publication El Pais, PSG are eyeing a shock summer move for Philippe Coutinho, who only joined Barcelona last month. In return for the Brazilian playmaker, Les Parisiens are ready to offer teenage prodigy Kylian Mbappe in a stunning deal.
The report entails that the two most expensive footballers in the world, Neymar and Mbappe aren’t exactly getting along well behind the scenes at PSG. On the pitch though, the duo seem to have struck up a fine partnership, making the core of Les Parisiens’ attacking unit, alongside Edinson Cavani.
Mbappe, in particular, has been quite impressive with his ability to not just find the back of the net, but also set up the goals for his teammates. So far, the player has a return of 16 goals and 14 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. But, with disharmony brewing off the pitch, the player could be on his way out of Parc des Princes, with Barcelona interested.
The Catalan club were credited with interest in Mbappe last summer as well, as they coincidentally sought to replace Neymar with the Frenchman following his move to PSG. But a move failed to materialise and Barcelona subsequently signed Ousmane Dembele instead.
With Dembele struggling to settle quickly at Camp Nou, largely owing to fitness problems, rumours have been rife that Barcelona are prepared to offload the youngster, putting some weight behind the speculation surrounding his compatriot, Mbappe.
But, PSG are set to use Barcelona’s interest in the teenager by proposing an audacious swap deal involving a player they have been interested in a long time themselves. Les Parisiens are eager to swoop in for Coutinho, whose arrival could also help appease Neymar, with the Brazilian duo sharing a strong relationship.
The pursuit of Coutinho is likely to be complicated for PSG though, with the Brazil international only joining Barcelona – admittedly the club of his dreams – in January. As far as the Blaugrana themselves are concerned, they have brought the 25-year-old in as a long-term successor for Andres Iniesta, which is why they are likely to be unwilling to part ways with him.
The ball, in this case, seems to be in Barcelona’s court, who could set their sights elsewhere as well, if they indeed aim to sell and replace Dembele. PSG, though, seem to have a Himalayan task on their hands to secure the services of Coutinho as they look to offload Mbappe in the summer and keep Neymar happy in the process.
