While Kylian Mbappe may see Real Madrid as the 'dream' destination, there is one major incentive to join Chelsea instead. The 24-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a departure from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with his contract at Les Parc des Princes set to expire in 12-months.
In an official statement to the AFP News Agency, Mbappe confirmed he informed the Parisians that he will not extend his contract in the French capital beyond next year. The report states that PSG were made aware of the France international's decision in July 2022 and his letter was simply a reminder about what had previously been said.
Mbappe's statement read: "Kylian Mbappe and his entourage confirm that this matter has not been discussed since over the course of the year, except a fortnight ago to announce the sending of the letter. No potential contract extension has been mentioned.
"After maintaining publicly in recent weeks that he would be a PSG player next season, Kylian Mbappe has not asked to leave this summer and has just confirmed to the club that he would not be activating the extra year."
According to L’Equipe, PSG has been left astonished and angered at the manner of Mbappe's announcement, and they plan to cash in on the France international rather than risk losing him for free in 2024. While he's previously admitted that it is his dream to play for Real Madrid, Chelsea could have some leverage in a potential bidding war thanks to Mauricio Pochettino.
Under the Argentine at PSG, Mbappe chalked up more goals and assists in Ligue 1 than he's ever done before. In his first and only full campaign working with Pochettino, the Frenchman directly contributed towards an eye-watering 47 goals in 35 appearances.
Mbappe has managed to maintain his impressive form in front of goal since the Blues boss' departure, but his playmaking numbers have diminished. If, for whatever reason, the forward were to snub Los Blancos for Chelsea then he can be sure that Pochettino will play to his strengths.
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Speaking in November last year, the former Tottenham boss issued an honest assessment of Mbappe. Pochettino told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Mbappe is younger [than Neymar and Messi] and still immature.
"He is an animal; he has great charisma but he still needs to find himself. Leo and Ney are total players, they are more responsible although in different ways, while Kylian keeps looking for himself.
"It is difficult for him to distinguish the moments of the game when he has to take a risk and when he should not. He does not enjoy association with his teammates unless he's in the defensive third of the pitch, because he needs space to make the most of his strengths.
"Kylian finds no pleasure in having the ball, he only enjoys it when he can run and finish. He is a fast player who needs to see a hare in front of him in order to [have the motivation] catch it.
"Leo, Ney, and even Benzema are stable, they have found the maturity that Mbappe has not yet reached. He is evolving. We have not yet to see the best version of him."
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