Real Madrid's master plan to sign Kylian Mbappe has been fast-tracked with news that the French star won't extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond next season.
The Spanish giants are prepared to launch a bid to sign the 24-year-old this summer instead of waiting until next year after his contract expires, sources told ESPN's Rodrigo Faez and Alex Kirkland.
PSG will reportedly consider offers worth around €150 million ($161.5 million) to avoid potentially losing him for nothing in 2024.
Mbappe said PSG were informed of his decision not to extend for another season in July 2022, adding that the letter he sent to the club on Monday "was to confirm what had already been spoken about previously."
On Tuesday, he rejected a report that stated he wants to join Real Madrid this summer, insisting he plans to play out the final year of his contract.
Regardless of his intentions, signing Mbappe isn't expected to be easy for Real Madrid, as PSG will try to sell the World Cup winner to any other suitor due to strained relations between the two teams, Faez and Kirkland report.
Mbappe nearly joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last season before agreeing to his current contact. Los Blancos also made several attempts to sign him in 2021, with their highest bid reaching around €200 million.
Real Madrid are in need of a new striker after Karim Benzema's departure to Saudi Arabia. The club had reportedly planned to target Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane this summer, but Faez and Kirkland note there are concerns over paying a high transfer fee for a player who turns 30 in July.
