Real Madrid are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé to sign a free transfer this summer and are optimistic about closing a deal soon, sources told ESPN.
ESPN reported on February 15 that Mbappé had informed PSG that he would leave as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season, after deciding his future lies in Madrid.
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Madrid presented a formal contract offer to the French international last month, while PSG still had hopes of convincing their star player to stay.
Sources told ESPN that Madrid were now hoping to finalize a deal in the near future, but a contract has not yet been signed and some details still need to be worked out.
Mbappé started PSG's 2-0 win over Nantes in Ligue 1 on Saturday on the bench, before scoring a penalty in the 78th minute. He also scored in the French club's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 last week.
The striker has scored a total of 32 goals in all competitions this season, despite constant speculation about his future.
Mbappé has long been Madrid's top transfer target, and after coming close to signing him in 2022, before a change of heart saw Mbappé sign a contract extension with PSG, the LaLiga giants are now closer than ever to winning the World Cup. winner.
Madrid leads LaLiga with 62 points, six ahead of its closest rival, Girona, who plays on Monday, and beat RB Leipzig 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. last week.
Their top league scorer this season has been midfielder Jude Bellingham, with 16 goals, followed by Joselu and Rodrygo with eight, and Vinicius with seven.
Reporting by ESPN's Alex Kirkland contributed to this report.
