Kylian Mbappe is believed to have turned down a blank-cheque renewal offer from Paris Saint-Germain, with his contract set to expire at the club next summer. That long-term deal would've gone above the 90 million euros gross that PSG offered Mbappe last summer, and it would've contained a promise that PSG's sporting project will remain competitive at the highest level of European competition.
Last week the two parties had at least one meeting to thrash out the terms, as PSG continue to try and tie down their man to another deal. The length of the deal was reported to be a further two years, with the crux being - given the club's Qatari ownership - that Mbappe remains a PSG player for the Qatar World Cup later this year, but has the option to leave afterwards. However, the 23-year-old continues to reject the proposals.
Another angle weaved into the mix is the ongoing strategic relationship between Qatar and France as a whole, which involves a lot of money and political influence, with president Emmanuel Macron directly involved in this mutually beneficial partnership. Mbappe seems to be an increasingly important component in all of this, and his performances on the pitch with 36 goal involvements already in the current term make him one of the best in the world.
Going this way, a dominant second leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League on March 9 could solidify that. Mbappe retains a huge love for PSG, and one of the reasons he wanted to leave the club last summer was so that the Parisians could get a big chunk of money for him. PSG are understandably desperate to renew the contract of their superstar in the worry that he will leave on a free transfer this summer, due to his current contract expiring. To lose a player of Mbappe’s pedigree without receiving a hefty transfer fee will be a huge loss for the Ligue 1 leaders.
As for now, rather than sorting out his own future, his priority is getting through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and ultimately going on to win the trophy his club want more than any other - which would crown a hugely successful season with the club he loves.
Real Madrid, that stays in the background, for their part are understood to be respectful of Mbappe's professionalism and trust that he will make his decision soon. They are not putting any pressure on him. On the contrary, they think he has already been put under enough strain. Mbappe would have a smaller salary at Real Madrid than PSG, but he seems not to be motivated by money and the final decision will be his.
Real Madrid continue to be strongly linked with the attacker, and as it stands, the Spanish giants will be able to acquire the 23-year-old on a free transfer ahead of next season. Los Blancos, who failed to secure his services in a big-money deal last summer, are said to be confident of announcing a deal for Mbappe at the end of the campaign.
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