17 February 2024 , 19:10
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Kylian Mbappe has been named on the bench by Paris Saint-Germain - days after telling the club that he wants to leave.
PSG face Nantes in Ligue 1 tonight away from home. Mbappe, 25, scored in the Champions League on Wednesday to give Luis Enrique's side a 2-0 advantage in their round-of-16 clash with Real Sociedad.
The next day, however, the French superstar informed PSG chiefs that he won't be extending his mega-money contract which expires this June but includes a clause for a further year. Real Madrid are the firm favourites to sign him, despite tentative links with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.
PSG boss Luis Enrique told reporters on Friday: "The club is bigger than any individual. I will speak when the parties speak. We will continue to work, but the team is above everyone, that is our message. The club is bigger than any individual."
On Saturday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti brushed off the speculation by saying: "I see and hear everything but nothing else. I understand that it's the topic of the day for you but not for us.
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"We have prepared for tomorrow's game [against Rayo Vallecano] and that's what we have talked about, not about anything else. I'd like to work on this season, there's a long time to go before next season."
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Arsenal "have be in the conversation" to sign a player like Mbappe. "Why not?" Arteta asked reporters.
"If we want to be the best team, we are going to need the best talent and the best players. I am not involved. Maybe [Arsenal technical director] Edu and the owners are, I'm not in those conversations until the last stage."
Kylian Mbappe will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)Your turn! Who should Kylian Mbappe sign for? Join the debate in the comments section.
Admitting that Real Madrid are favourites, the Gunners boss added: "When there is a player of that calibre we always have to be in the conversation. But as you said it looks in a different way."
As for Liverpool's chances, Jurgen Klopp - who won't be at Anfield next season after deciding to leave - explained his club's problem. "Obviously, I'm not involved in that, but I can tell you I'd be surprised if all the top clubs were [in for him]," Klopp admitted. "The top clubs I know, for most of them it will be tricky - wages, signing-on fee."
And when it comes to United, Sir Dave Brailsford - who's part of the INEOS investment at the club - was filmed telling two young fans: "I think he's got his heart set on going to Real Madrid, hasn't he?"