Leonardo, Paris Saint-Germain's sporting director, stated that Kylian Mbappe wanted to leave the club. He also confirmed that Real Madrid had rejected a request from the French international.
ESPN reported Tuesday that Madrid rejected their 160 million offer for the rights of the 22-year old, but sources said they were optimistic about reaching a deal before August 31.
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Leonardo stated Wednesday that Kylian Mbappe wanted to leave. "If he wishes to leave, we will not keep him. But, it will be done according to our conditions.
"We have had many conversations with Kylian, and he always repeats the same thing. Kylian has always said that he wouldn't leave the club for a free transfer.
Mbappe still has one year on his PSG contract. He has declined multiple offers to renew it, so the Ligue 1 club is at risk of losing him on a free transfer in 2022.
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Leonardo spoke in a joint interview on Wednesday with four French media outlets as well as Marca, the Spanish newspaper, and criticized Madrid's approach towards the negotiations. He called their behavior "disrespectful," incorrect, illegal, and unacceptable.
Leonardo stated, "Verbally, we've said no Madrid." We have not received any other offers. We have never asked him to leave.
"The player made it clear that he would not leave PSG for nothing, but in the end it looks like the strategy to let him go for free."
After a year loan, Mbappe was signed by PSG for 180 euros in 2018. Leonardo stated that they weren't prepared to sell him for less than that.
He said, "We won't get rid of a player for less that we paid for him at age 18." "We must pay Monaco a sum we owe, and we don’t consider the offer sufficient."
ESPN has been told by sources that a 200-million offer would be required to convince PSG to accept a deal.
Leonardo said that Kylian is at the center of our project, but he's not above it. "Whether he stays or goes, it will always be in accordance with our conditions. If he wishes to go, he will, but with our conditions as any other player. We will not change the plan one week after the close of market.
"There has been a global strategy over the past two years to arrive here, to make an offer with one week before the market closes that they know they won't accept and then say: 'Oh well. We've tried and failed to do so and we'll be able to sign him free of charge.
"Our goal is for him stay and to renew. Madrid made an offer. Mbappe had always said that he would not leave the club for nothing. Let's wait and see what happens over the next year... we are not content.
