The transfer saga surrounding Kylian Mbappe has finally come to an end after he completed his move to Real Madrid. Mbappe has penned a five-year deal with the Spanish giants following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
His future has been under scrutiny for a number of years after Los Blancos registered interest in the 25-year-old. Mbappe was rumoured to be close to a move to Madrid in 2022, but a sensational U-turn saw him sign a lucrative extension with the Parisiens.
Saudi Pro League sides were said to be looking to prise him away from the French capital last summer. He remained in Ligue 1, winning the league and cup under Luis Enrique’s side, but as the months ticked down on his deal, Arsenal were among the clubs linked with a sensational move for the World Cup-winning talisman.
On Monday, the Champions League holders confirmed that they had won the race to sign the striker. In a post from the striker, he described his move to the Bernabeu as a ‘dream come true’.
“A dream come true,” he said. “So happy and proud to join the club of my dream @realmadrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. ¡Hala Madrid!”
According to Fabrizio Romano, via Madrid Zone, the La Liga champions will reportedly pay over €100million for the attacker’s signing-on fee, which will be paid over five years. Mbappe is said to be among the highest earners, alongside Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham.
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Speaking in February, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said if the club wants to be the best team, they have to attract players of Mbappe’s calibre.
“Absolutely. Why not? If we want to be the best team then we are going to need the best talent and the best players for sure,” said the Spaniard. “When there is a player of that calibre then we always need to be in the conversation but it looks like (his future) is in a different way.”
