Real Madrid's genius for putting themselves centre stage of a tournament which has nothing to do with them continues unabated. Having wrecked Spain's World Cup by prematurely announcing the appointment of Julien Lopetegui, they have now narrowed their gaze toward Paris.
On Monday night, the club released a statement denying reports that they had agreed a fee with PSG for Neymar Ltd, but reports today suggest they have haggled a price for the club's other superstar: Kylian Mbappé.
Reports in Spain suggest that Madrid have agreed a fee worth €272 million for the forward. While PSG aren't exactly stuck for cash and would be ad to countenance his sale, their hand may be forced by Financial Fair Play. It was announced this week that UEFA are reviewing their decision to clear PSG of breaching FFP, amid allegations that Qatar vastly overstated the value of a sponsorship deal in order to find a way around the rules.
Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a €272m deal with PSG to sign Kylian Mbappé, set to be paid over four instalments. This is reported by Baptiste Ripart who was also correct about Griezmann’s renewal and Lemar joining Atlético. Amazing if true. #RealMadrid #PSG https://t.co/q2HrhZ8f5G
— Geoff Gillingham (@GeoffGillingham) July 4, 2018
Madrid could free up some cash by doing the unthinkable, and selling Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports in Italy state that Juventus are willing to part with a hundred million euro to sign Ronaldo, who used the aftermath of the Champions League final to cast doubt on his future at the Bernabeu.
Barcelona, meanwhile, reportedly want to sign Willian from Chelsea. The fee is reported to be around €50 million. Barca had been expected to bolster their forward line with Antoine Griezmann, but the French star elected to renew his contract with Atletico Madrid, announcing the decision in an online video produced by one Gerard Pique.
Elsewhere on the transfer front, Man City are close to finally signing Riyad Mahrez from Leicester for £60 million, and are close to adding Napoli's Jorginho to their midfield, too.
