Angry PSG want at least £160m for Kylian Mbappe transfer, reaction from France, Spain and USA – Paper Round

France: Mbappe letter a ‘stab’ to PSG

“The announcement made on Monday serves as a stab to the management, which is waiting for positive signs to move forward. Otherwise, PSG could well consider the departure of their player in the coming weeks.”

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Spain: Real Madrid best placed to sign Mbappe

Over in Spain the news warranted two exclamation marks in Marca’s report, with the Spanish outlet’s headline reading: “Mbappé announces that he will not renew… and PSG plans to sell him right now!!” Marca inevitably goes on to discuss a possible move to Real Madrid, who are not only searching for a new striker, but are arguably one of few clubs across Europe capable of meeting Mbappe’s wage demands.

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USA: PSG could demand £160m

PSG could demand a world-record fee for Mbappe this summer, despite the fact he would have just 12 months remaining on his current contract. The club would want at least £160m for the player, The New York Times reports, with Real Madrid again touted as his most likely destination, having last year offered the Frenchman the biggest contract in the club’s history.

“PSG’s top officials were surprised by Mbappé’s letter, according to the executive, and learned of it after first being contacted by a French news outlet claiming to have received a copy before it was sent to the club. A spokeswoman for Mbappé did not respond to a request for comment. Representatives of P.S.G. also did not comment on the letter or how the club was informed of Mbappé’s intentions, which were first reported by the French sports newspaper L’Equipe.”

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Arsenal near £100m Rice deal

Elsewhere, Arsenal are close to agreeing a £100m deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ha, the Guardian reports. The Gunners are yet to submit a bid but talks are said to be progressing smoothly, with West Ham willing to sell the England international and Arsenal determined to wrap his signature up quickly.

“Sources believe the prospect of a rival club trying to sign the West Ham captain is receding. Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United have looked at signing Rice but Arsenal, who are looking for ways to move out Pépé and Cédric Soares, have been the most aggressive in attempting to buy him.”