Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be growing in confidence that Kylian Mbappe can be persuaded to extend his contract – and Paul Pogba has been tipped to have a key role in his international teammate’s’ final decision.
Mbappe’s contract at the Parc des Princes is up at the end of the season and it’s widely expected that he’ll leave the French capital to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Los Blancos have long admired Mbappe and even though they were unable to prize him away from the clutches of PSG last summer despite bidding close to €200m, 90min understands they remain confident of landing him 12 months on.
However, PSG are not willing to throw in the towel and give up on Mbappe yet and they are trying to convince him to shelve his childhood dream of moving to Madrid – for now at least.
Talks over a short-term contract extension are ongoing and Mbappe’s representatives are at least entertaining the idea. In fact, ESPN state that meetings have been ‘positive’ and that Mbappe is more receptive than ever to the idea of staying put.
One contributing factor to Mbappe potentially staying put is PSG’s mooted transfer plans.
The Parisians have regularly been linked with a move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, also out of contract at the end of the season, and it’s said that persuading him to join – alongside Milan’s Franck Kessie – would send a strong signal to Mbappe of the club’s intent to compete.
Throw in the possible appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the club’s new manager, should Mauricio Pochettino depart for Manchester United at the end of the season, and ESPN note that Mbappe may be convinced that the club are moving in the right direction – particularly as Zidane is one of his idols.
Whether or not Pogba is interested in returning to France is another matter, although United’s current form in the Premier League will do little to convince him that they are overcoming years of shortcomings. Currently, he is undecided over whether to commit.
As for Mbappe, he isn’t expected to make a decision on his future anytime soon and will instead wait things out before deciding whether or not to move on.
90min understands that Real are not concerned by the latest developments and their confidence is unwavering – they feel Mbappe wants to join them and no additional pressure to make a decision need be applied.