Real Madrid are reportedly having doubts over whether to pursue a deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
For a number of years, there has been a frequent link between Los Blancos and the 2018 World Cup winner, with the feeling being that he will eventually move to the Bernabeu.
However, in 2022, Mbappe famously made a late U-turn, rejecting the chance to complete a switch to Real in favour of extending his stay at Parc des Princes.
Twenty months later and the clubs are each facing a similar scenario, with Real waiting in the wings while Mbappe decides where to spend the next phase of his career.
With less than six months remaining on his contract, the 25-year-old is free to hold formal discussions with Real officials and sign a pre-contract agreement should he so wish.
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Nevertheless, PSG president president Nasser Al Khelaifi has spoken positively of the chances of retaining Mbappe in the long term, reiterating his desire to keep the attacker for an eighth campaign.
As it stands, no formal announcement looks likely, with Mbappe himself stating that he has little intention of making a quick decision with time on his side.
According to FootballTransfers, that is only increasing uncertainty behind the scenes at Real, with some feeling that an effort to sign Victor Osimhen should be prioritised instead.
The report says that there are conflicting views over whether Real should continue to pursue Mbappe with some believing that Osimhen "is the better bet".
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Several club officials allegedly feel that acquiring a player who could act as a direct replacement for Karim Benzema would be more beneficial in the long run.
Osimhen has only recently signed a new contract at Napoli, keeping him tied to the Serie A club until 2026, but a release clause is reportedly present in his deal.
While the 25-year-old is yet to replicate his form from 2022-23, contributing just eight goals and two assists this time around, he is still viewed as one of the best strikers in world football.
Chelsea and Arsenal have each been linked with the Nigeria international in recent months, with the in-demand frontman known to hold a desire to play in the Premier League at some stage of his career.
Darren Plant
