Kylian Mbappe has received a cautionary message: in case the French striker prolongs his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Real Madrid is prepared to redirect their attention towards Erling Haaland.
Following productive discussions between the French forward and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Mbappe has been reinstated to the first team.
Nevertheless, reports indicate that there have been no talks about an extension, and Mbappe seems willing to forgo his loyalty bonus in order to leave on a free transfer next summer.
While PSG is eager for Mbappe to renew his contract to avoid a free departure, it appears that a final agreement is distant at the moment.
However, if Mbappe’s decision takes a different direction, Real Madrid icon Guti has issued a warning: Los Blancos will pivot away from their pursuit of Mbappe and instead redirect their focus towards Erling Haaland, the star of Manchester City.
“I want Mbappe to play for Real Madrid. Real cannot afford the luxury of closing the door to such a player,” Guti told El Chiringuito.
“But if Mbappe extends his contract with PSG, it will show that he is acting for the money. If that happens, Real Madrid will have to opt for Erling Haaland.”
Since the departure of Karim Benzema, Real Madrid has yet to secure the services of a top-tier striker, leaving their No. 9 jersey unoccupied.
Although Carlo Ancelotti has considered the possibility of proceeding through the 2023–24 season without acquiring a new No. 9, this stance might shift if the team encounters difficulty finding the net without a prominent forward.
Real Madrid is set to return to the field on Saturday for a La Liga encounter against Almeria.
Simultaneously, Kylian Mbappe will be aiming to lead PSG to victory against Toulouse in a Ligue 1 match on the same day.