The future of Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is set to dominate the headlines this summer after the striker's decision not to extend his contract beyond 2024.
Mbappe committed his future to the Ligue 1 champions last summer after strongly being linked with a move to Real Madrid. The 24-year-old agreed a new deal that would keep him at the club until the end of the 2023/24 campaign, with the player holding an option to extend his stay by another year.
However, it has now been reported that Mbappe has informed the club of his decision to not to take up that option, placing his immediate future in doubt. PSG won't want to see their star player leave on a free transfer next summer, sparking intense rumours linking him with a departure this summer.
According to The Times, Chelsea are expected to register their interest in the France striker, with a potential deal fulfilling Todd Boehly's dream to bring a global superstar to Stamford Bridge. Moves for Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Lionel Messi have all been mooted since the American completed his takeover of the club in May last year, but recruiting Mbappe's services could make sense for lots reasons.
First of all, he's a clinical goalscorer. In 260 games for Les Parisians, he has scored 212 goals. For his country, Mbappe has netted 38 in 68 appearances, helping them win the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final.
Yet it could be the rewards off the field why Boehly would be most keen to lure Mbappe to west London. The striker is a worldwide A-lister with 104 million followers on Instagram and holds one of the biggest sponsorships with Nike worth £14 million-per-year.
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However, there is a blockbuster deal to be made for Boehly. As football fans around the world will have become used to, PSG and the Nike-owned Jordan Brand have been working together since 2018 and have produced some of the most trendiest sportswear in the game.
The Jordan Brand, originally a line of basketball shoes, paid a significant fee to sponsor the French giants. According to Sports Business Research, the 'Jumpman' paid €200million ($215million) for the first three years to supply PSG their Champions League strips before paying an additional €67million ($72m) for the extension of a fourth year.
As well as supplying unique jerseys, Jordan also featured on the PSG home shirt for the 2021/22 season as well as additional sportswear and urban apparel.
The deal has worked wonders for both parties. PSG and Mbappe, specifically, have become the face of Nike football while the sportswear brand has reaped the rewards financially around the globe. Jordan's work with PSG saw Nike record their highest amount of revenue in North America, with the United States becoming the club's second largest market.
Chelsea face an uphill battle in pursuing Mbappe. Real Madrid are immediate favourites to sign the striker as part of their common 'Galaticio' trend. However, Boehly has more than proved his willingness to spend money to improve Chelsea and a move for Mbappe would tick multiple boxes for the football club.
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