“At this stage…” – Kylian Mbappe to Chelsea transfer speculation clarified as PSG ‘encourage’ bids

Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a move to Chelsea, however their potential interest has now been cleared up.

The 24-year-old is refusing to sign a contract extension with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. As a result, Mbappe has been left out of PSG’s squad for their pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea.

PSG are now looking to offload the France international to avoid losing the superstar for nothing next summer, with claims suggesting Mbappe could be holding out to try to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024.

Following the appointment of Luis Enrique, PSG club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi reiterated earlier this month that it would be “impossible” for Mbappe to leave for free.

“Our position is very clear,” he said, as quoted by BBC Sport. “If Kylian Mbappe wants to stay – we want him to stay – he needs to sign a new contract.

“We cannot let the best player in the world right now leave for free. That is impossible.”

Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport followed up the news of PSG putting Mbappe up for sale by revealing Chelsea’s stance.

He claims Chelsea are interested in Mbappe and considering the feasibility of a transfer. However, no offer has been made at the moment, with at least one other English club interested.

Fabrizio Romano followed up RMC Sport’s report with clarification over Chelsea’s position.

Taking to his YouTube, he revealed, at this stage, there is ‘nothing concrete or advanced’ between Chelsea or other Premier League clubs for Mbappe. PSG are encouraging bids to be made.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino worked with Mbappe during his time at PSG. The Chelsea boss ideally wants to sign new players while the Blues are in the USA on their pre-season tour amid interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

“What do you think?” replied Pochettino after being asked the question of if he hoped to sign players while in the USA. “It is clear that any coach would want to close the squad as soon as possible. If it’s possible, yes bring the player here to the USA. If not, it’s not a problem.

“I’m happy with how we are working in this process to improve the squad. The sporting directors, the board are working so hard to bring the right people and right players and profile to the squad. I’m so happy in the way they are working.”