Chelsea eye stunning summer capture as Todd Boehly intervenes to broker deal for superstar Ligue 1 forward
Several sources are reporting that Chelsea have opened talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe in the summer window.
The 27-year-old has spent six seasons at Parc des Princes, five on a permanent deal after an initial loan spell from Monaco. The France international has bagged an incredible 212 goals from 260 appearances in all competitions. However, his future in the French capital is now uncertain.
The Parisan is under contract with his present employers until the summer of 2024.
But he is refusing to extend his stay and the Ligue 1 giants now face a quandary over his future.
Rumours persist that Mbappe has already agreed to join Real Madrid in 12 months’ time.
Should the Frenchman stay at the club for another year he will be free to leave for nothing next summer.
That is situation that PSG are keen to avoid after they paid the principality outfit an initial €145m plus €35 in add-ons for his signature.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have already seen a world record €300m bid accepted by PSG.
However, the man with 40 Les Bleus goals refused to speak to the Middle East club about joining the Saudi revolution.
Liverpool are also on the case and are reportedly keen to take him to Anfield. And now it seems as though the Blues have shown their hand.
Journalist Duncan Castles has reported that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has opened talks to sign the World Cup winner.
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The Stamford Bridge outfit are reportedly keen on a cash-plus-player deal. The report does not reveal which player might be used as makeweight.
But Chelsea have already sold many star names this summer to balance the books.
Race hots up for Mbappe
Chelsea have spent in excess of £600m since Boehly took the reins.
They needed to jettison a number of stars and the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic have left.
They have signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson but it might be that the biggest signing has yet to arrive.
The report adds that Boehly has spoken personally with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
It seems as though the Blues and Reds are now in a straight race to land arguably the world’s top player.
Whether Mbappe wants to join either Premier League side is open to debate, however.
The skilful striker is now out in the cold at PSG, having been left out of the club’s summer tour.
Other clubs have been linked, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham. However, it seems unlikely that they are serious contenders.
It may be that Mbappe ignores all suitors and sees out his time in the French capital before moving to the Bernabeu.
But all at the Bridge will hope they see his talents showcased in west London.
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