Mbappé in Real Madrid talks, but deal not agreed – sources

Real Madrid are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe to sign on a free transfer this summer and are optimistic about reaching a deal soon, sources have told ESPN.

ESPN reported on Thursday that Mbappé had informed PSG that he would leave as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season, having decided that his future lies at Madrid.

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Madrid submitted a formal contract offer to the France international last month, while PSG still hoped to convince their star player to stay.

Sources have told ESPN that Madrid now hope to finalize a deal in the near future, but a contract has not yet been signed and some details still need to be ironed out.

Mbappé started PSG's 2-0 win at Nantes in Ligue 1 on Saturday on the bench, before scoring a penalty in the 78th minute. He also scored in the French club's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Champions League last 16 first leg last week.

The striker has scored a total of 32 goals in all competitions this season, despite constant speculation over his future.

Mbappé has long been Madrid's top transfer target, and after being close to signing him in 2022 – before a change of heart saw Mbappé sign a contract extension at PSG – the La Liga giants are now closer than ever to winning the World Cup. winner.

Madrid lead La Liga with 62 points, six ahead of nearest rival Girona, who play on Monday, and beat RB Leipzig 1-0 away in the Champions League last 16 first leg. last week.

Their top scorer in the league this season has been midfielder Jude Bellingham, with 16 goals, followed by Joselu and Rodrygo with eight and Vinicius with seven.

Reporting from ESPN's Alex Kirkland contributed to this report.