Real Madrid News
Mbappe given July 19 deadline to make a final decision by PSG as Real Madrid wait
The frustration at Valdebebas over Kylian Mbappe’s situation is understandable. Real Madrid have openly pursued the youngster’s signing for years now, and the player appears to be spoiling the one chance that looks golden.
It is not for a lack of desire to come to Madrid from the player’s part. Mbappe understandably wishes to maximise his monetary gain from PSG, one which he cannot claim if he openly announces a desire to depart this summer.
PSG themselves are vexed by the player’s antics, and according to reports from AS, have set a deadline for Mbappe to make his intentions clear.
As revealed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi in a recent press conference, there is no chance of the youngster leaving PSG on a free transfer in the near future. He must choose between two options- renewal or departure, by the 19th of July.
The new deadline leaves the French superstar with less than two weeks to make a decisive call about his future. A departure this summer or the next appears to be a given, but with a deadline looming, he must make a decision soon.
News of such an ultimatum comes as music to the ears of Florentino Perez & co., for the management have halted all talks with other forward options in anticipation of Mbappe. A clear idea will help them carry forward negotiations to the right effect.
Rumours have it that the French winger’s move will cost Los Blancos upwards of €200 million with bonuses included. They have the money ready, and all that remains is the green light from the player and the Ligue 1 champions.
As it stands, the coming week will be critical for both French parties to reach a monetary agreement over the pending bonuses and an immediate departure.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
