Real Madrid News
Mbappe and PSG to start new negotiations over a contract extension – report
As Real Madrid close in on the capture of Kepa Arrizabalaga on a loan deal, the club still have a crucial decision to make in the transfer market – the pursuit of Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman has chosen to stay at Paris Saint-Germain this season, with the hopes of joining Real Madrid as a free agent in 2024.
The forward has refused to trigger a one-year extension in his contract and has knocked back renewal offers from PSG and looks determined to move after the end of the season.
PSG & Mbappe to start new negotiations
Despite Mbappe’s stubbornness, PSG have not yet lost hope of keeping the Frenchman at the club longer than 2024.
According to Canal+ (h/t Madrid Xtra), PSG and Mbappe will start a new round of negotiations over a contract renewal.
This comes even after Luis Enrique dropped Mbappe out of the squad for the opening matchday of the 2023/24 Ligue 1 campaign.
The report even goes on to suggest that Mbappe wants to stay at PSG, despite receiving warnings that he may have to sit out on the bench for the entirety of the season.
What should be Real Madrid’s play here?
There is no question that Real Madrid have the capital to make a move for Mbappe in the ongoing summer transfer window.
But the club would ideally prefer a 2024 move for the Frenchman as they would likely be in a position to sign the player on a free transfer.
The former AS Monaco starlet was said to be reportedly keen on moving to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, but the club are yet to make a move.
However, now, with the forward open to negotiating a new contract with PSG, Real Madrid could be left with a similar situation as last summer.
Yet another twist in this transfer saga and it will be interesting to see how things go in the coming days.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
