Real Madrid were reportedly optimistic of signing Kylian Mbappe in the latter stages of the summer transfer window before accepting that a deal would be 'impossible'.
Los Blancos made a strong play for the France international towards the end of August but could not convince Paris Saint-Germain to accept an offer for the World Cup winner.
Carlo Ancelotti's side were allegedly confident of signing the attacker last Thursday before realising that they would be unable to convince PSG to sell before the window slammed shut.
"Last Thursday, with the second offer on the table, there were reasons for optimism," Real Madrid sources told Marca.
"They started to diminish, however, as the hours and days passed. We held on until the end of the window and on Tuesday, at two o'clock in the afternoon, we realised that it was going to be impossible."
Mbappe's future remains the subject of much speculation, as his contract in Paris is due to expire next June, and Real Madrid are still firmly interested in his services.
The 22-year-old has scored three times and registered two assists in four Ligue 1 appearances at the start of the 2021-22 campaign.
Matt Law
