Throughout this transfer window Manchester City have been linked, at some point, with some of the big names in the world game. As we enter August and begin to focus on the start of the season it seems, for some at least, that we may still not have seen our biggest signing in this window.
Kylian Mbappe has been the name on everyone’s lips since his breakout season for Monaco in the last campaign. With that side now decimated it turns to Mbappe to decide on his own future and it seems it is to be away from the Stade Louis II.
Recently Mbappe was pictured with our own Leroy Sane for a Nike promotional event in Manchester. Benjamin Mendy, Mbappe‘s old teammate and Sanes current tweeted, quite comically, City fans reaction to the picture.
But it is with this promotional event that the story seemed to have gained traction. Nike sponsors Mbappe and one condition of that contract is that, if he moves, it’s to a ‘Category A’ big club.
This puts PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City all within that category. Arsenal are also reported to be interested, but with no Champions League this season would they be a consideration for Mbappe?
PSG, we are led to believe, have agreed personal terms with the youngster. But will Monaco sell to a rival French side? Recent history would say no, with Mendy and Silva coming to City and a previous bid from the Parisians for Fabinho being rejected.
Madrid will have to make a sale in order to make the purchase. Gareth Bale doesn’t seem too keen on a move, and why would he. Barcelona certainly have the money and possibly the space, with Neymar heading to PSG, but have been shy on this one. Certainly both La Liga sides have the ability to fit him into their squads but what game time would he actually get? For the money quoted he would have to be a regular starter. Who would sit for Madrid? Bale, Benzema or Isco because it certainly wouldn’t be Ronaldo.
In England, Chelsea had their chance to sign an 11-year-old Mbappe while on trial with them. That aside the defending Champions seem to have internal issues going on at the moment with a ‘record transfer’ seemingly down on their list. The Costa conflict and the sale of Matic seemingly under Contes nose doesn’t shout stability.
So, what chance for Manchester City? We already know that Pep has sat down with the player and laid out his plan and ideas for the youngster. Last week, as I said earlier, Mbappe was in Manchester for a promotional event so he had a chance to see the City and club facilities. Later on this week Pep will sit down with Wilfried, Kylians Father, to assure further of City’s plans for his son.
With Arsenal holding firm on Sanchez I think this move could make more sense than a few weeks ago. David Silva will no doubt leave at the end of his contract and we have the chance to sign someone a decade younger than Sanchez.
With eyes on the future a Mbappe move makes sense in the long-term. The rotation of players needed to play in the Premier League, Champions League and both domestic competitions means it makes sense in the short-term also. Iheancho has gone, Bony and Roberts are likely to head out the door and so we are one injury away not having the luxury of choices.
I certainly know two players within the City squad who would love to see Mbappe join. Friends Bernado Silva and Mendy got nice ‘good luck’ messages when they left Monaco for Manchester from the young star, I am sure the least we could do is reunite them, this time in blue.
