EXCL: Crucial factor in PSG's favour with Mbappe, plus could Man City star move to Paris, and what next for Varane after Man Utd contract issue?

Our man in France with the latest on PSG, an emerging talent at Lille, and much more!

One key factor that could give PSG an edge in the race for Kylian Mbappe

I was at PSG’s Trophee des Champions win over Toulouse on Wednesday, and obviously we saw Mbappe get 2024 off to a flyer with a superb goal and a trophy within just the first few days of the new year. Of course, we also expected the rumours and speculation to start up again as Mbappe is now technically free to negotiate a move for next season.

Mbappe himself came out after the game and spoke about his future, insisting that there’s been no decision on what he’ll do, and reassuring people that there is an agreement in place with PSG that ensures all parties are protected, regardless of what the outcome is.

I think the thing to outline at the moment is that, although we know Real Madrid are interested in signing Mbappe, and we know Liverpool links have come up again recently. The bottom line, however, is that there’s so much Mbappe can achieve in France this season - he’s already picked up silverware for 2024, PSG are top of Ligue 1, and you’ve got the Champions League. PSG may have finished second in their group, but to then land with Real Sociedad in the next round, although not easy by any stretch of the imagination, it’s still a favourable draw for Mbappe and PSG. It gives them a big chance to get to the quarter-finals, and once you’re there it becomes a bit more of a lottery in terms of a path to the final.

PSG are a work in progress, but there have been some real signs of encouragement, albeit with some frustration as well. Mbappe will also be looking ahead to the summer, with two international tournaments in Euro 2024 and the Olympics as well, which are being hosted in Paris. My personal belief, and I’ve been saying this for a while now, is that the Olympics are absolutely crucial to Mbappe’s plans for 2024.