Transfer Centre

Carlo Ancelotti coy on Kylian Mbappe arrival at Real Madrid

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 February 2024

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti fields questions on Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe during his press conference on Saturday.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that he is only focusing on his team's upcoming run of matches when asked about the situation surrounding Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain that he will be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer, and Real Madrid are widely expected to finally secure his signature.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta suggested on Friday that the France international's proposed move to Bernabeu was close to being completed, telling reporters: "When there is a player of that calibre, we always have to be in that conversation. But it looks in a different way, that's what I would say."

Meanwhile, when asked about a Manchester United move for the ex-Monaco youngster, INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford said: "I think he's got his heart set on going to Real Madrid."

Ancelotti would have been expecting questions on the Frenchman during Saturday's press conference to preview Sunday's La Liga contest with Rayo Vallecano.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti on February 4, 2024 © Reuters

The Italian insisted that the Mbappe situation is not currently his biggest concern, with the head coach only focusing on continuing to deliver strong results during a busy stage of the campaign.

"I see and hear everything but nothing else. I understand that it's the topic of the day for you but not for us," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday afternoon.

"We have prepared for tomorrow's game and that's what we have talked about, not about anything else. I'd like to work on this season, there's a long time to go before next season."

"If I'm worried about Mbappe, do you see me worried? I think it's going to be the same for the next few press conferences, I'm not worried."

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in action with Real Sociedad's Hamari Traore on February 14, 2024 © Reuters

Real Madrid are still chasing silverware in two competitions this season, including La Liga, currently sitting five points clear of second-placed Girona at the summit.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti's side recorded a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest in Germany last week.

Real Madrid have three more league games against Rayo, Sevilla and Valencia before hosting Leipzig for the second leg of their last-16 contest in the European Cup.

Los Blancos have been handed a huge fitness boost for Sunday's clash with Rayo, meanwhile, with Brahim Diaz passed fit after his injury scare against Leipzig last time out.