Real Madrid look set to focus their efforts on signing Kylian Mbappe now that they've wrapped up the signing of Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, but he's opted for the Santiago Bernabeu instead.
Bellingham, who has signed a six-year deal in the Spanish capital, was subject to long-term interest from the Blues, football.london understands. The west Londoners watched the midfielder during his time as an academy player at Birmingham City but, after failing to act on their interest, Borussia Dortmund swooped in and signed the teenage sensation instead.
Chelsea have been left to rue their decision to not sign Bellingham when they had the chance. The club have now missed out on arguably two of Europe's most exciting midfielders after losing Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid last summer.
Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti's side now look set to prioritise the signing of Mbappe, who's recently put himself in the shop window. In an official statement to the AFP News Agency earlier this week, the 24-year-old star confirmed that he told Paris Saint-Germain that he will not extend his contract in the French capital beyond next year.
The report states that the Parisians were made aware of the France international's decision in July 2022 and his letter was simply a reminder about what had previously been discussed. According to L'Equipe, PSG have been left angered by the manner of Mbappe's announcement, and they plan to cash in on him this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 2024, when his contract expires.
Naturally, he's quickly become heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid having previously admitted that it would be a 'dream' to play for Los Blancos. In an interview with BBC Sport last year, Mbappe was asked if his dream of playing for the Spanish titans is over after penning an extension at PSG.
He replied: "Never over. Never over. The only thing is that now I have signed for three years more. You never know what can happen in the future."
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With Mbappe said to be on the market, Real Madrid could very well end up ditch their pursuit of Harry Kane, who has been widely regarded as Los Blancos' backup option if they can't acquire the Frenchman. The 29-year-old striker faces an increasingly uncertain future at Tottenham with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.
Prior to the departure of Fabio Paratici in April, football.london understood that the Italian had been in contact with the England international's team to discuss an extension. It's said that Kane is open to discussing a new deal but, as it stands, he's yet to commit his long-term future to the Lilywhites.
With a summer move expected to be on the cards, Chelsea and United have been mooted as potential destinations for the Englishman. While Tottenham will be hoping that Real Madrid throw the kitchen sink at a deal for Mbappe, Kane will remain as the next best striker on the market in Europe...
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