Football News: As Real Madrid threatens to snare Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, Paris Saint-Germain sports director Leonardo vows the club will do “everything” in its power to keep him. Mbappe has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who reportedly made an unsuccessful offer for the France star in August worth up to 180 million euros ($200 million). Despite the arrival of seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Mbappe has emphasised his importance to PSG’s European ambitions.
His 24 goals this season much surpass the team’s second-leading scorer, Lionel Messi, who has seven.
In last weekend’s triumph over Saint-Etienne, the 23-year-old equalled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 156 goals in PSG colours. For the club, only Edinson Cavani has scored more goals (200).
“We’re going to attempt everything as long as there’s no signature. We’ll do everything we can to keep him, “L’Equipe, a French sports daily, quoted Leonardo as saying.
The Brazilian refuted reports in both Spanish and French media that the club had promised Mbappe a 50 million-euro annual wage with a 100 million-euro “loyalty bonus.”
“We haven’t made a precise offer,” Leonardo stated, adding that the financial side of any new deal is “secondary” in Mbappe’s eyes.
“The last thing we’ll put on the contract will be the amount.”
Last month, Mbappe stated that he had not made a choice about his future and that he would not speak to Madrid while the two sides were competing in Europe.
His injury-time goal at the Parc des Princes gave PSG a 1-0 advantage heading into next Wednesday’s return leg in Spain.
He’ll be well-rested for the trip to the Bernabeu, as he’ll be suspended for Saturday’s match against third-placed Nice.
Not only does this help Nice’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League, but it also highlights the vacuum PSG would have to fill if Mbappe goes after his contract expires in July.
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