Transfer Centre

Mauricio Pochettino: 'Chelsea signing Kylian Mbappe is not reality'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 26 July 2023

Pochettino: 'Chelsea signing Mbappe is not reality'

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino plays down suggestions that Chelsea could involve themselves in the race for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that Chelsea's "reality is different" to the clubs attempting to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

At the end of last season, the Blues were under extreme pressure to generate transfer funds and reduce their wage bill in order to comply with FFP regulations.

However, as it stands, 13 players from the 2022-23 squad have departed, 10 on a permanent basis, with just two additions in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Although Chelsea will not be participating in Europe during the next campaign, a report emerged over the weekend that claimed that they would assess whether it was feasible to sign Mbappe this summer.

As a result of turning down the chance to sign a new contract at Parc des Princes, the France international has been put up for sale by the Ligue 1 champions.

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe on July 20, 2023 © Reuters

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have since put forward a £259m proposal for the 2018 World Cup winner, one which has naturally been accepted by PSG but, so far, not by the player.

Other Premier League clubs are allegedly assessing the situation in the event that the 24-year-old rejects the opportunity to sign an extraordinary lucrative deal to make the switch to the Middle East.

Nevertheless, at a press conference during Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, Pochettino distanced both Chelsea and himself from the situation, particularly due to having managed Mbappe during his time at PSG.

The Argentine told reporters: "I think in our past we were at Paris Saint Germain and with Kylian and think I need to be conscious that I cannot talk. Everything you talk is too much noise.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring on April 21, 2023 © Reuters

"It is a situation that is very delicate and one they need to fix in Paris with Kylian. For our side I have nothing to say. We are working on our reality, our reality is different. From my side, nothing to say, only to support them.

"I hope they find a solution for both sides. It is a club that I love, because I was a player, a captain and coach. With Kylian we create a very good relationship, I hope they can find the best solution for both sides."

Chelsea are currently in the process of trying to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo for in excess of £70m, only to be told by the Seagulls that it will take an offer of £100m.

Reports had indicated that Chelsea were ready to sell Conor Gallagher for at least £40m, but Pochettino said at the same press conference that the 23-year-old remained in his plans.