With Kylian Mbappe edging closer to leaving Paris Saint-Germain, KickOff's Lukhanyo Mtuta looks at five stars who want out of their clubs at the end of the season.
Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain
It's no secret that Mbappe will leave PSG at the end of the season, with his decision having already been communicated to management and his teammates in January 2024. The 25-year-old is now just a few months away from completing a six-year association with the club, having notably become their top-scorer of all time by quite some distance with 250 goals scored for the Parisians. It is widely believed that he will join Real Madrid, where he is reportedly set to become the team's highest earner. On Thursday, PSG boss Luis Enrique put any doubts that Mbappe would stay to bed. "Sooner or later he won't play with us. We have to get used to it and I'm looking for the best solution. I do what I consider is best for my team, it's my decision," he said, according to Mundo Deportivo.
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David Raya - Brentford
According to CaughtOffside, the Spanish goalkeeper will join Arsenal on a permanent deal from Brentford. It is reported that the player is happy at the Emirates and would like to continue at the club, where he has pipped Englishman Aaron Ramsdale to the number one position. Journalist Frabrizio Romano a gentlemen's agreement between the two clubs is already in, with the Gunners set to trigger the £27 million (R646 million) buy option included in his loan. Romano recently told CaughtOffside that it was only a matter of time before the move is completed, stating: "I think it's just about the clubs deciding when is the best time to announce. Also, financial fair play is important, so there needs to be a way to make it the best way possible, but David Raya will be an Arsenal player."
Piotr Zielinski - Napoli
Things came to a head for the Napoli midfielder earlier this year when he reportedly refused to sign a contract extension at Napoli, instead giving the greenlight to join Inter Milan at the end of 2023/24. Since then, the Poland international has seen his role in the team being reduced, as he was even left out of both UEFA Champions League round of 16 ties against FC Barcelona. According to Italian outlet Sempreinter, the 29-year-old will receive a €3 million (R61.7 million) sign-on bonus and will earn €4.5 million (R92.7 million) net per season plus add-ons with Inter.
Timo Werner - RB Leipzig
The German forward is currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from his parent club RB Leipzig. According to TeamTalk, the marksman has informed his entourage that he wants to stay at Spurs, with the English club said to be equally keen on making the move permanent. It's now understood that Ange Postecoglu's side are likely to trigger the £15 million (R359 million) buy-option clause included in the loan deal.
Teun Koopmeiners - Atalanta
Speaking during the current international break, the Netherlands playmaker made it clear that he no longer wants to be at Atalanta beyond this campaign. "Last year there was concrete interest from Napoli. However, in the end the two clubs did not find an agreement. I told Atalanta that in the coming summer I want to leave", Koopmeiners told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf this week. Amid reports linking him with a move to Liverpool, the 26-year-old added that he is open to moving to the Premier League. "My fiancée and I are having a great time in Italy, but for some clubs in England I could even bear the rainy days there… I hope options present themselves so I can think about it", he added.
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