Kylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting a salary package worth €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.
The PSG and France forward, Kylian Mbappe, is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.
For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months – which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.
However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.
In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant’s ‘shortcomings’ and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.
He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid – who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract – although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.
The France star – who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari – would request a package worth £206m from any club.
The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn’t changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.
There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old – who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world – is a ‘prisoner of money’ who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos’ plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer – a move they were very close to completing last year.
Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.
Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol’s 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal.
The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.
He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol – who were relegated from LaLiga – while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.
Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.
Boss Christophe Galtier – who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role – was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.