According to former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri, instead of seeking a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, Kylian Mbappe should remain with PSG.
“Two years ago, I said that Mbappe is the best player in the world. I still think so,” Nasri told the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche on November 5. “Mbappe is from Paris, and if I were him, I would stay at PSG rather than go to Madrid to win the 50th Champions League title for Real.”
Nasri came through the youth ranks at Marseille and played for the first team from 2004 to 2008 before joining Arsenal. Subsequently, the former French midfielder played for Manchester City, Sevilla, Antalyaspor, West Ham, and Anderlecht and announced his retirement in September 2021.
Nasri emphasized that he would not have left France for England in 2008 if Marseille had owners like Qatar and the financial strength that PSG has now. According to Nasri, Mbappe’s departure would leave a significant void, but PSG would have a budget to recruit other players as replacements, even if they may not be of the same caliber as the French star.
“But right now, Mbappe is of great importance, both for PSG and the French national team. I think it’s better to become the king in your own realm,” Nasri continued to advise his fellow countryman to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
Last week, Spanish media reported that Real Madrid is willing to offer a salary of $37.5 million after taxes, more than three times the highest-earning stars at the Bernabeu, including David Alaba and Toni Kroos, who make over $11 million. Mbappe is reportedly willing to forego a loyalty bonus in his current contract to facilitate his move to Real on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
However, following that, the royal club issued a statement denying any rumors related to Mbappe. Bernabeu stadium management affirmed that there were no negotiations between the two parties and that they had not contacted any players under PSG’s contract.
Mbappe’s future is a hot topic in the summer 2023 transfer window. He sent a letter to PSG’s leadership announcing his decision not to activate the option for an additional year until the summer of 2025 and was left out of the squad for the preseason tour of Asia. Subsequently, the two sides resolved their conflict, with Mbappe committing not to leave the club for free and is likely to extend his contract until 2025. However, at this point, the 2018 World Cup champion has not committed to his future with PSG.
Mbappe joined PSG on a loan deal from Monaco in the summer of 2017 before being permanently acquired in the summer of 2018 for $200 million. The French forward immediately became a key figure for PSG, scoring 224 goals and providing 99 assists in 273 matches across all competitions, helping the club win five Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, two French League Cups, and two French Super Cups. This season, he has contributed 12 goals and one assist in 13 matches across all competitions.
