Transfer Talk: Mbappe holds the cards in poker game with PSG

Kylian Mbappe seems set for another summer of speculation with his future at Paris Saint-Germain once again in doubt. 

In May 2022, the forward looked set to leave on a free transfer and move to Real Madrid, only to prolong his stay at PSG. 

Now he has announced that he will not be extending that contract, which expires next summer, creating another headache for the French champions. 

Ahead of France's clash with Gibraltar on Friday, we take a look at where Mbappe could be playing his football next season. 

Twitter rant

Through the mediums of a letter to PSG and a Twitter post, Mbappe has been very clear about his intentions. 

The letter being revealed in the press created speculation about the Parisians wanting to cash in, with Real interested in signing him. 

Mbappe responded to this story on Twitter. 

His post read: "Lies. At the same time, the bigger it is, the more it passes. I have already said that I will continue next season at PSG where I am very happy." 

So Mbappe's plan would seem to be to stay in Paris until 2024 and then leave the club on a free transfer. 

PSG narrowly averted that fate before with a deal that gave the striker a mammoth financial package and an unusual amount of influence at the club. 

They are bound to feel wounded by Mbappe's intentions and inclined to try and push through a sale — which could attract a world-record fee. 

PSG scenario

So what lies in store for Mbappe should he get his wish to stay at PSG and see out the final year of his contract? 

A frosty relationship with his employers for one, but he would not be the first footballer to face that scenario and his quality ensures that he would not be frozen out. 

Mbappe would also have a new manager.

Christophe Galtier is reported to be leaving PSG for Napoli with Julian Nagelsmann set to take charge. 

Should the German arrive, it is unlikely that he will be as concerned about Mbappe leaving in a year as the owners will be. 

For a season, Nagelsmann would get to work with one of the best players in the world safe in the knowledge that there will be funds for a replacement. 

Summer move

There are some potential downsides to Mbappe's plan. 

France would probably prefer that their star player was settled ahead of Euro 2024, rather than facing a year filled with negotiations. 

Real are also in desperate need for a striker after Karim Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad.

If the World Cup winner stays at PSG, then they could move for Harry Kane this summer.

He could, of course, join in 2024 and play to the left of Kane — or another striker — but that scenario then poses a question regarding the future of Vinicius Junior.

For France, PSG and Real, a deal this summer makes the most sense, but it is ultimately Mbappe that boasts the strongest hand.