Kylian Mbappe wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain to complete a transfer to Real Madrid this month.
The Spanish giants lodged a €160million (£137m) offer for the France international superstar this week and PSG have subsequently confirmed that the player wants to leave the club.
The 22-year-old is out of contract in the French capital next summer but Madrid are intent on landing their target this summer and are likely to significantly increase their opening offer.
PSG sporting director Leonardo said on Wednesday: "Kylian Mbappe wants to leave, that seems clear. If he wants to leave, we will not stop him, but on our terms."
A detailed report in Marca has now outlined all the factors that has led to the striker making his decision to move to the Spanish capital rather than stay in Paris.
It is claimed that Mbappe has rejected multiple contract offers from the Ligue 1 club including a six-year contract worth an eye-watering €60million per season.
The striker has always been a boyhood fan of Real Madrid and has always had his heart set on joining the club - with his dream likened to that of current Madrid players Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale.
It is claimed that he has always been clear on his plans to join Madrid and the arrival of Lionel Messi in Paris has never changed his desires, nor did the departure of Zinedine Zidane - Mbappe’s childhood idol - from the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe wants to be a leader in his team and to take full responsibility, and that trumps his desire to play in attacking line which includes Messi and Neymar.
Yet it is also outlined how Manchester United midfield star Paul Pogba - who is close friends with Mbappe from France international duty - has played a role in helping the striker make his decision.
Is Paul Pogba likely to leave Man Utd next summer? Comment below
The report concludes that Pogba has advised Mbappe that Real Madrid would be a preferable choice - news which is likely to fuel reports that the United ace is open to joining the Spanish club in the future.
Karim Benzema is the other player who has played a crucial role in Mbappe’s decision, having played alongside him for France in Euro 2020 and is keen to be reunited at club level.
PSG sporting director Leonardo has now confirmed Mbappe’s desire for a transfer: "Kylian wants to leave, that seems clear. If Real Madrid are making an offer, that seems clear.
"Me I am giving a position, that, I think, is clear for everyone. We cannot, the week before the end of the window, change our plans. If he wants to leave, we will not hold him back, but on our terms.
"With Kylian, I have spoken a lot, he has always said the same things to us. Kylian has always promised that he would not leave the club for free. That is always what he has said to us."
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