Kylian Mbappe has allegedly decided not to go ahead with the one-year extension option in his current Paris Saint-Germain contract. As a result, he will become a free agent at the end of the upcoming summer.
Last May, the striker signed a new three-year contract with PSG, with the final year of the deal being subject to his decision for renewal.
He has long been linked with an exit from the Parc des Princes, with Real Madrid heavily referenced, despite penning that deal.
Mbappe previously refused to commit his future to PSG following suggestions of an exit.
“For now, a second World Cup,” the France international said in November, when quizzed over his alleged transfer request. “After that, I don’t know.”
It was not until March that he returned to the issue.
“I have just taken part in the viewing of the club’s renewal campaign for the 23/24 season.
At no time was I informed of the content of the interview with my interlocutor. It looked like a basic interview at a club marketing day. I disagree with this posted video.”
Also complicating the situation has also been the French striker’s reported feud with attacking teammate, Neymar Junior.
The superstars are said to have fallen out over the order of penalty-takers earlier this season in a Ligue 1 clash, with the Brazilian liking a series of posts which appeared to criticise and undermine the Frenchman.
L’Equipe reports the French star now has no desire of taking up his contract option through until 2025, meaning he will be out of contract next summer.
While tensions between him and the club are said to have calmed, Mbappe is keen on playing football elsewhere.
As outlined by L’Equipe earlier this month, Neymar’s Instagram account ‘liked’ a post which slammed his teammate, while his Twitter account meanwhile is said to have ‘liked’ a post suggesting he and Lionel Messi were happier when they played for Barcelona.
Last month, the striker criticised PSG’s season ticket renewal campaign which focused heavily on his input.
It was the latest sign that there was an uncomfortable relationship between the two, with cracks starting to appear.
Taking to Instagram with a statement, Mbappe wrote:
“I have just taken part in the viewing of the club’s renewal campaign for the 23/24 season. At no time was I informed of the content of the interview with my interlocutor. It looked like a basic interview at a club marketing day. I disagree with this posted video.”
Mbappe added that was why he was fighting for individual image rights.
“PSG is a big club and a big family, but it is certainly not Kylian Saint-Germain.”
Despite the controversy surrounding him this season, Mbappe has still managed to shine on the pitch.
The 24-year-old has 40 goals to his name in all competitions and managed to break the club’s goal-scoring record, overtaking former Manchester United striker, Edinson Cavani in the process.
Manchester City targets PSG midfielder
Earlier Sports Brief reported that Manchester City are monitoring a PSG midfielder with an intention for a summer swoop.
Marco Veratti, who has spent the best part of his career at the French capital, appears a likely replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.
It remains to be seen if this transfer will materialise or if the Italian will commit to a new contract at the French capital.