AC Milan’s Rafael Leao ‘Favourite’ to Replace Kylian Mbappe at PSG as Real Madrid Move Deemed Imminent: Reports

“At some point, I’ll have to leave my club.” Kylian Mbappe‘s words could finally be about to come true. The Frenchman has reportedly agreed to switch to Spanish giants, Real Madrid, upon his PSG contract expiry in June. Replacing their main goal-scorer is a big task. Hence, PSG is said to be looking at AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, who is interestingly a big ‘Mbappe fan’. However, unlike Mbappe, Leao will not be a free agent and the Parisians will have to splash the cash significantly.

However, it is worth noting that Mbappe to Madrid is not a done deal yet. PSG had recently offered the Frenchman a new contract worth a whopping $109 million per year. Have they got one last trick up their sleeve to keep hold of their prized asset?

From a World Cup winner to a Serie A Champion- PSG target Rafael Leao to fill the Kylian Mbappe void

As per Relevo, AC Milan’s Portuguese star Rafael Leao is PSG’s preferred choice, if Kylian Mbappe departs. The Serie A MVP in 2021-22, Leao was also exceptional last season scoring 15 goals & providing 10 assists. A prolific dribbler, the Portuguese star is rapid and is a key playmaker from wide. However, he does not have the imposing goal threat of the PSG ace, but then again, very few players do.

Leao signed a contract extension with Milan in 2023, keeping him at the club until 2028. His release clause is $189 million and PSG will have to make a significant financial offer to convince Rossoneri. However, convincing the Portuguese winger should not be that hard courtesy of Luis Campos. Campos, who works as the soccer advisor for PSG, was the one who offered Leao his big break by signing him for Lille. Hence, the Milan attacker could be tempted by the prospect of reuniting with his countryman.

Previously, Leao had said, “He [Mbappé] is the best player I’ve come across.“Both Real Madrid & PSG will be feeling the same. Considering that PSG paid about $195 million for the French attacker, they would be devastated to lose him out on a free. But, Nasser Al Khelaifi seems to have a plan up his sleeve.

PSG could earn cash from ‘free agent’ Mbappe: Here’s how

Folks on the Spanish soccer show El Chiringuito have detailed PSG’s plan to maximize Mbappe’s potential exit. Juanfe Sanz, on the show, said, “Paris feels protected because Mbappé is committed and has made several compromises so that the club is profitable with an extension or with a departure. (…) In an agreement that would have been written, Mbappé would have guaranteed that his signing bonus in any club where he goes would arrive in the pockets of PSG.”

Read More: Fabio Capello Reveals Why Real Madrid Should Sign Erling Haaland Despite Kylian Mbappe Being a ‘Better Footballer’

There have been rumors that this bonus could amount to $106 million. Nasser Al Khelaifi had also acknowledged the deal despite not revealing the numbers involved. Will Rafael Leao make a good Kylian Mbappe replacement? Tell us in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY:  Are Lando Norris and PSG Sensation Kylian Mbappé Sharing a Barbers Chair?