Kylian Mbappe has been urged to leave Paris Saint-Germain for the good of his career by his fellow French compatriot Robert Pires.
The 21-year-old striker is under contract with the Ligue 1 champions until 2022 but reports suggest he could be on the move next summer.
PSG are desperate to tie Mbappe down to a new deal for fear of losing him for a cut price and are believed to be planning talks over a contract extension.
But former Arsenal star Pires, 47, feels Mbappe should consider his next step carefully and believes the time is right for the youngster to seek pastures new.
Asked about Mbappe's future, Pires told AS : "Of course. I'm French, I like Paris Saint-Germain and I'd like him to stay in Ligue 1.
"But if he wants to keep growing as a player, he should sign for Real Madrid."
Pires' recommendation seems interesting given his recent revelation that he turned down the chance to sign for Madrid during his playing career, joining Arsenal instead.
Mbappe is high on the Spanish club's list of targets, with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane stating previously the forward's "dream" is to play for Madrid.
It is thought the World Cup winner could be snapped up for around €100million (£90m) next year if he chooses not to further his stay with PSG.
And his old teammate Adil Rami believes Mbappe has already made his mind up to leave the club in the near future.
"I think it's done, especially since it's not moving forward in the [contract] discussions," Rami told RMC Sport .
"You have the impression that it annoys him to talk about it, he does not talk about it with the club, his entourage.
"And from the moment where it annoys him, it means he does not want to hear it. It is awkward for him.
"His future is all mapped out and it's sad for the Parisians, even for Ligue 1. I love this player."
