Real Madrid may reportedly make an approach for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe later this month.
Throughout the summer transfer window, the future of Mbappe has again been a hot topic of debate courtesy of his decision to formally tell club officials that he intends to depart Parc des Princes in 2024.
With that being immediately disputed by PSG, who do not want to lose their most prized asset on a free transfer, they tried and failed with efforts to cash in on the France international.
More recently, Mbappe has been reintegrated into the first-team squad after a period of being excluded from Luis Enrique's group, subsequently making his return at the weekend.
The 24-year-old came off the substitutes' bench to score a penalty against Toulouse, only for PSG to concede a late equaliser to draw their second successive Ligue 1 fixture.
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As it stands, an agreement appears to be in place for Mbappe to spend the season at PSG, with the possibility of amendments to his contractual situation.
However, according to BILD, Real are planning to try to force PSG's hand with an offer during the final days of the summer transfer window.
Los Blancos officials are allegedly prepared to submit a proposal of £103m in an effort to secure Mbappe's signature, despite their promising start to the season.
Carlo Ancelotti has used Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in a front two and, although Jude Bellingham has taken centre stage, it has helped Real win both their opening La Liga encounters.
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Nevertheless, Espanyol loanee Joselu is currently the only experienced backup in the forward area at the Santiago Bernabeu, and it is plausible that the position could be strengthened before September 1.
From PSG's perspective, reports have indicated that they have been expecting Real to sign Mbappe on a free transfer in 2024, a perception that contributed heavily to their stance regarding a sale earlier this summer.
If Real do bid £103m for Mbappe, it would be considerably below PSG's valuation yet, like with Harry Kane and Tottenham Hotspur, it may represent PSG's last chance to recoup a fee.
For that scenario to change, Mbappe would need to extend his contract at a club where he is the all-time leading goalscorer and is the remaining player of PSG's high-profile front three, with Neymar and Lionel Messi already moving on to pastures new.
Darren Plant
