Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino quashes Kylian Mbappé links

Speaking at a press conference, transcribed by Le Parisien, Mauricio Pochettino has quashed rumours of a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé (24). 

Mbappé has been omitted from PSG’s tour of Japan and South Korea as he is forced towards the exit door by the club’s hierarchy. Mbappé isn’t keen on a departure this summer, but unwilling to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2024, PSG have taken a hardline stance as they seek to avoid losing him on a free transfer. 

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal have made a world-record €300m offer for Mbappé, which has been accepted by PSG. A Saudi delegation is now in Paris to discuss the lucrative proposition with the France captain. Over the weekend, RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins linked Chelsea with a move for Mbappé. 

However, L’Équipe reported on Tuesday that Chelsea, as well as Manchester United, had dropped out of the race. Pochettino has now seemingly distanced Chelsea with a move for Mbappé, a player with whom the Argentinian manager worked during his time with Les Parisiens. 

“I worked with Kylian, but I can’t speak. Perhaps what all [the journalists] are saying is too much noise. It is a very delicate situation. It is a situation that they have to manage: Paris with Kylian and Kylian with Paris. From our side, I have nothing to say. We are working with our own reality, and that is different,” said Pochettino. 

He added, “I can only support them and hope that the two parties find the best solution because PSG is a club I like and I was a player and a manager there. And, of course, with Kylian, we created a very good relationship. I have a lot of affection for him.” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle