Pep Guardiola has ruled Manchester City out of the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and has hinted at where the Frenchman may end up this summer.
The 24-year-old has spent the last six seasons with the French giants and has scored a club-record 212 goals in 260 appearances across all competitions, winning 12 domestic honours including five Ligue 1 titles.
However, Mbappe's long-term future at the Parc des Princes has been the subject of much speculation since the forward allegedly sent a letter to PSG confirming that he will not activate the option to extend his contract which is due to expire in June 2024.
Mbappe has since reaffirmed his commitment to PSG and intends to play for the club in the 2023-24 campaign, but that has not stopped the rumour mill linking the French star with a summer exit.
Treble winners Man City are thought to be one of a small selection of clubs in Europe who have the funds to recruit Mbappe on a big-money contract.
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The Citizens reaped the rewards from signing goal machine Erling Braut Haaland last summer and they are believed to be on the lookout for a new winger ahead of the 2023-24 season.
However, Guardiola has played down speculation linking Mbappe with a possible switch to the Etihad Stadium, and claims that the forward has already eyed up his next destination.
"We will not sign Kylian Mbappe, he's not joining Man City," Guardiola told reporters at the Puma Legends Trophy event. "All of you know where he wants to go."
Mbappe's ideal destination is thought to be Spanish giants Real Madrid, who have held a strong interest in the Frenchman for some time.
Club president Florentino Perez expressed his desire to sign the forward earlier this month, although he has suggested that a possible transfer would be more likely in the summer of 2024.
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Real Madrid confirmed the loan signing of Spain international Joselu from Espanyol on Monday, but they are still believed to be on the lookout for a new centre-forward following the departure of club legend Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.
A potential big-money swoop for Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane has been mooted, but Los Blancos are understood to be prioritising a long-term move for top target Mbappe.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Mbappe, and a recent report claims that the Red Devils will step up their pursuit of PSG's No.7 if Qatari investor Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani completes a takeover of the club.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are all said to have distanced themselves from the race to sign Mbappe, who is valued by PSG in excess of £100m.
Oliver Thomas
