Real Madrid officially announced the signing of Jude Bellingham less than 24 hours ago. The English midfielder joined Los Blancos after a long transfer saga and was expected to be the club’s only blockbuster signing of the window.

The situation has changed in recent days. Kylian Mbappe’s open announcement of his desire to leave PSG at the end of his contract has once again churned up talks of a possible move to Real Madrid.

The French club cannot afford to lose their best player on a free transfer next year and are thus looking to engineer a departure this summer. With every passing day, the possibility of Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid materialising is only increasing.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra), Los Blancos are convinced that they have a concrete chance of signing the Ligue 1 superstar. All efforts are being directed to ensure it is completed ahead of next season.

Paris Saint-Germain believe that Mbappe intentionally leaked the information of his decision to the media so as to create a chaotic environment and push for an exit. However, the player played down such accusations in his recent interview.

PSG are said to be willing to sell their star to Real Madrid despite their sour relations. Talks between the clubs will likely progress in the coming days, especially with respect to the transfer fee.

Florentino Perez has always prioritised Mbappe’s arrival over any other move for Real Madrid in the forward department. In fact, he is willing to offer the youngster a contract with €25 million in wages.

€200 million appears to be the number decided upon in Madrid as the sum budgeted for Mbappe’s arrival. That, at first sight, appears to be enough to meet the French club’s expectations.