In some very predictable pre-match mind games, Real Madrid vice-captain Karim Benzema has once again touted Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe as a potential future star for Los Blancos.
PSG and Real are set to go head-to-head in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash on Tuesday night, and with Mbappe widely expected to move to the Spanish capital on a free transfer in the summer, his future has inevitably been a hot topic ahead of the clash.
Benzema has been pretty vocal about wanting to play alongside his international teammate Mbappe at club level, and he was once again asked about that possibility in Real’s pre-match press conference.
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“Playing against Kylian is special because we play in the national side together,” Benzema said with a big smile on his face.
“Everyone knows that one day he could arrive at Madrid, but the most important thing is to play this game first and win it.”
The Real Madrid talisman also revealed he is hopeful of featuring against PSG having recovered from a hamstring issue.
It feels increasingly like only a matter of time before Mbappe leaves the Parc des Princes to fulfil his childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid. The 23-year-old’s contract expires in the summer and he seems to have no intention of penning an extension at this stage.
Real have been desperate to bring in the Frenchman for a number of years and were beaten to his signature by PSG back in 2017. A free transfer in the summer is now a distinct and remarkable possibility – although Mbappe will still command huge wages and a significant signing-on fee.
Los Blancos have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland too, although the deal for Mbappe may well mean they are not in a financial position to sign both players in the same transfer window.
