Real Madrid's need for Kylian Mbappe obvious as PSG prepare for Man Utd fight
Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the LaLiga season on Saturday by beating Getafe 2-1 at the Bernabeu, but it wasn't easy.
Getafe took a shock lead in the Spanish capital when former Real striker Borja Mayoral took the ball around Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 11th minute. Yet second-half goals from Joselu and Jude Bellingham sparred Real's blushes, with the winner coming in added time.
Although Real are yet to drop a point this season, they've struggled in front of goal. They've twice needed Bellingham, a midfielder by trade, to score late on to pick up three points as expected. Eight goals in four games is a modest return for a club of Real's stature.
There's no doubting Karim Benzema's summer transfer to Al-Ittihad has left a huge void in Carlo Ancelotti's team. It's clear they need another superstar striker... it's clear they need Kylian Mbappe. Yet Manchester United would also love to sign the Frenchman.
Real are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and came close to signing him on a free transfer in May 2022 before Paris Saint-Germain persuaded him to sign a new contract. Yet that deal expires next summer and he's not expected to extend it.
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Signing Mbappe next summer would add some much-needed potency to Real's attack. Veteran striker Joselu, who once played for Newcastle and Stoke, struggled during the first half against Getafe. His link-up play was poor, and he missed from point-blank range.
I was at the Bernabeu courtesy of Sportsbreaks.com, and the frustration of the home crowd was obvious. Gasps of annoyance emerged after his sitter, with fans flailing their arms in the air in disappointment. The pressure of being Real's No.9 is enormous.
Joselu's all-round game improved after the break, scoring a good poacher's goal to make it 1-1. But, at 33, he's clearly not Benzema's long-term replacement... and it's still to early to tell whether he's even a short-term fix. Real need to find a new superstar striker.
They also need more quality on the wing. Rodrygo was threatening throughout the game but constantly failed to hit the target. He's got a bright future at the Bernabeu, but Real can't depend on just him and Vinicius Junior - especially with the latter nursing an injury.
Joselu isn't Karim Benzema's long-term replacement (Getty Images)Who do you think Kylian Mbappe will join? Let us know in the comments below!
Whether Mbappe plays as up front or on the wing, he would be a welcome addition to Ancelotti's squad. Real aren't far away from constructing one of Europe's best young teams having signed Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
PSG are still hopeful of agreeing a new contract with Mbappe. "Kylian is a PSG player," said club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi last month. "We have very good discussions with him, he is a magnificent player, as a person and as a professional.
"We discussed with the rest of his family. We're going to work, try to do something. If we can, why not? If not, we're ready, we're fine. An extension? I don't want to talk about that."
Even if PSG don't agree a new contract with Mbappe, Real are likely to face competition for his signature from the Premier League. Reports linking him with United frequently appeared on the continent throughout the summer and are unlikely to go away. Yet, on Saturday's evident, Real must do all they can to finally sign the World Cup winner.
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