Barcelona are reportedly ready to steal a march on arch-rivals Real Madrid in pursuit of PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe by offering a massive signing-on bonus.
According to a report from Spanish publication AS, Barcelona are devising plans to trump bitter rivals Real Madrid in the race to sign PSG star Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer next summer.
Mbappe has evolved into one of the best forwards in the game since bursting onto the scenes with AS Monaco in the 2016/17 season. Having signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, he has helped the French capital outfit to numerous titles and trophies, while also winning the FIFA World Cup with France in Russia in 2018.
To date, Mbappe has plundered 138 goals and 69 assists in just 184 appearances for Les Parisiens, firmly establishing himself as one of the best in the game currently. However, having entered the final year of his contract with the club, the 22-year-old has his sights set on an exit. Indeed, he admitted to have tried to leave PSG in the summer when Real Madrid came up with big offers that were knocked back.
Having stayed put at Parc des Princes, Mbappe has given little indication of wanting to sign a new deal. Real Madrid remain the firm favourites to sign him up on a free transfer as they look to lay down a long-term succession plan for Karim Benzema, who despite going strong, is almost 34 years old.
Mbappe has shown with the French national team that he can play alongside Benzema, which he could do at Real Madrid as well before eventually taking over from his compatriot as the main man for Los Blancos. However, Real Madrid have now a cause for concern as bitter rivals Barcelona are plotting to swoop in and beat them to the 22-year-old’s signing.
The Catalans saw club legend Lionel Messi join PSG on a free transfer this past summer and are planning to give the Parisian outfit a taste of their own medicine by snaring away Mbappe on a Bosman next year. In order to facilitate a move, Barcelona are readying a mega signing-on bonus in the range of €90 million for the 22-year-old France international.
The report adds that Barcelona believe Real Madrid will offer only around €50 million and plan to trump them by offering a higher sum. Even though they are going through a torrid time financially, there is a belief that they should have enough funds to make one big signing next year, while the salary cap will also be greater than this season, which could allow them to register Mbappe.
However, with Real Madrid in a better financial shape, they could afford to offer Mbappe higher wages than Barcelona, which could become an issue. It remains to be seen who comes out on top in this battle, but all things point towards the World Cup winner plying his trade in La Liga next season, even though there is interest from Liverpool.
