Arsenal are regularly being linked with the seismic transfer of Kylian Mbappe, but RMC Sport reporter Daniel Riolo has given a defiant update on the Paris Saint-Germain star.
Riolo tackled the current situation around Mbappe and PSG for RMC Sport’s After Foot show this Monday. The Ligue 1 giants are fighting an endless storm of speculation surrounding the 24-year-old now that the France megastar is in the final year of his contract at Les Parisiens.
Mbappe only agreed to sign a new contract at the Parc des Princes in May 2022 that runs to June 2024. His terms also include the option for further 12 months. But the 2018 World Cup winner is not interested in extending his career with the capital club into an eighth season.
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Kylian Mbappe transfer from PSG to Arsenal latest
Reports by Football Transfers at the start of July claimed Arsenal are weighing up a move to sign Mbappe in a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. The Gunners admire what the forward could bring to Emirates Stadium and could submit a proposal to his entourage.
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Real Madrid are a serious threat in any tug-of-war for Mbappe’s transfer with the Galacticos extremely keen, too. While Arsenal suspect that a move to north London might rank second in Mbappe’s mind should Real Madrid offer the attacker a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, the Independent added in July that Real Madrid want to wait until Mbappe is a free agent to move. While it also noted that PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi is determined to avoid the forward leaving for free. But Liverpool cannot afford to target Mbappe’s switch.
The Independent further claimed that Mbappe would actually favour a transfer to Arsenal if he ever moves to the Premier League. The Gunners are his top choice of English team as the Paris-born sensation appreciates how Mikel Arteta has developed the north London natives.
What has Daniel Riolo said about Kylian Mbappe?
Yet Riolo has now told RMC Sport that a transfer to Real Madrid – and not Arsenal – remains Mbappe’s priority as he plans for a future away from Paris Saint-Germain. He also notes that PSG want circa €200m (£170m) to sell their €180m (£166m) 2017 signing from AS Monaco.
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What’s more, Riolo is adamant that Mbappe has no interest in leaving PSG this summer. The forward is set on leaving the Parc des Princes as a free agent come 2024. While Paris Saint-Germain tarnishing Mbappe’s image has only heightened his desire to walk away next year.
“I am announcing something to you this evening: Mbappe will be at PSG next season,” Riolo stated. “Is this news? Yes. Even if they assume until [the] end and put Mbappe on the bench, Mbappe stays at PSG. Mbappe stays at PSG. He is ready to accept this situation.”
Riolo added: “Today, what is the possible exit? There is none. The only exit, if PSG wants to continue to play the big arms, is to tell Mbappe that since he has not extended and he will not extend, he will stay on the bench all season.”
The RMC Sport journalist also added: “Mbappe does not want to leave this year. He has said it a thousand times, he will not leave this year. He does not want to leave this year.”