Kylian Mbappe is yet to tell PSG that it is over. While multiple observers and media reports have said the star French forward is unlikely to extend his stay with the Ligue 1 winners, a lot is at stake for all parties involved, stalling Mbappe from cutting his ties with his club, even verbally.
However, having considered all the facts, it is high time PSG started looking forward to life after Mbappe. And if reports are to be trusted, PSG have already zeroed in on the player they want in Paris as its main-man's replacement.
The player who, hypothetically, will take Mbappe's position in the PSG post-summer is AC Milan's Portuguese winger Rafael Leao.
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The 24-year-old, who recently extended his contract with Rossoneri, came under PSG's radar last summer itself, multiple media reports said. They wanted to sign Leao following the departure of Neymar and Lionel Messi from Parc de Princes. But PSG couldn't manage to place a bid for the winger as Mbappe decided to stay on a hefty salary, ESPN said in a report.
If Mbappe leaves, PSG should financially have no issues in bringing Leao on board. The report added that the French club is yet to let AC Milan know of its interest in Leao officially.
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Leao enjoyed a stellar campaign last season for AC Milan, managing 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. He has not been that good this season and third-placed Milan is 8 points behind leaders and archrivals Inter with 15 gameweeks left in Serie A. His current contract runs until 2028 and has a release clause of €175 million.
La Liga over Ligue 1?
At the same time, some sources reportedly said that the former Lille star is not excited to return to Ligue 1 despite how lucrative and offer Paris Saint-Germain can make. This brings the alternate offers before Rafael Leao to the table.
PSG could face comeptition for his signature as cash-strapped Barcelona and Bavarian powerhouse Bayern Munich have also set eyes on him. Despite their financial constraints, Barcelona are hell-bent on finding a goal-scoring winger in the summer and have marked Leao as an ideal target, ESPN said in a report.
