Boost for Chelsea? PSG move away from Rafael Leao as a priority target to replace Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe

• PSG were interested in Leao as marquee signing
• Looking to replace outbound Mbappe
• But PSG losing interest in Milan winger

WHAT HAPPENED?

Kylian Mbappe PSG

Leao is no longer PSG’s first objective this summer, according to RMC Sport [via GFFN]. Given Mbappe is set to depart, the club is known to value Leao and would be able to pay his €175 million (£150m/$190m) stated release clause. However, the report notes that the Paris team do not want to trade in the departing striker for a left winger as they feel Bradley Barcola can build on his strong displays this term. It is thought that it would be counterproductive to their long-term goals to impede Barcola’s development under Luis Enrique.

WHAT ENRIQUE SAID

The PSG boss talked about utilizing his squad to prepare for Mbappe’s departure on Monday: “It’s very simple, sooner or later, when it happens we have to get used to playing without Kylian. When I want to play like this, I will, when I don’t, I won’t. It’s very easy, there are competitions and my intention is not to give ‘free’ minutes, I want maximum competitiveness. Every player has to deserve their playing time.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Osimhen Napoli

The club is still interested in Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen but they would need to sell one of their two strikers this summer in order to raise the necessary money, as they have already forked out €170 million (£146m/$184m) on Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos. Neither of the two have lived up to their price tag so far but the club can only hope that, should they fail to sign a striker this summer, that they can get either of them performing in Mbappe’s absence.

WHAT NEXT FOR LEAO?

It has been reported earlier that multiple clubs are interested in Leao’s services, even if PSG don’t sign the winger. He will likely move away from San Siro in the summer, with Premier League side Chelsea long being linked with the Portuguese.