Madrid want Mbappe deal before LaLiga start - sources - ESPN

Real Madrid would like to resolve the Kylian Mbappé situation in the first two weeks of August before the new LaLiga season starts, sources have told ESPN, but they are still waiting for the player, or his club Paris Saint-Germain, to make the first move.

PSG have made it clear that they would be open to a deal this summer to avoid Mbappé leaving on a free transfer next year, but the two clubs have not yet held talks with just two weeks left before the 2023-24 campaigns kick off in Spain and France.

— Stream on ESPN+: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (7/29 at 5 p.m. ET; U.S. only)

Madrid remain hopeful, however, and sources have told ESPN that the club are ready to get a deal done if PSG show that they are willing to open negotiations.

The Spanish giants are aware that a deal would cost over €200 million including variables, and they would offer Mbappé a six-year contract until 2029. Madrid would like Mbappé's contract to match that of Jude Bellingham, who arrived this summer in a deal worth €103 million plus another 30% in variables.

The club sees Mbappé and Bellingham as the two players set to lead its new sporting project, alongside Vinicius Junior. Since the departure of Karim Benzema, Madrid's executives have hoped to inaugurate the new Santiago Bernabeu stadium — set for completion in December this year — with Mbappé and Bellingham in the team.

On the field, Mbappé's signing is seen as vital because at present coach Carlo Ancelotti can call on only Joselu as a specialist centre-forward. Madrid's No. 9 shirt was left vacant after Benzema's move to Saudi Arabia.

The club has been in contact with Mbappé's representatives for some time and reports in Spain this week suggested that PSG valued Mbappé at €250 million, but