Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City will not make a bid for the striker position held by Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.
The City coach made the remark on Monday while attending a golf event in Spain. He was referring to Real Madrid, which plays in Spain. “You know where he wants to go,” the coach remarked.
The striker for PSG has a deal that runs through 2024, but he has informed the club that he will not extend it. He also has intentions to remain for one more season, which means that he will be able to go for free in the summer of 2019.
When Madrid attempted to recruit Mbappe during the summer of 2018, the 24-year-old forward opted to remain with Paris Saint-Germain rather than join Los Blancos.
Speaking at the Legends Trophy competition in Emporda, which was held in his home province of Catalonia, Guardiola said that Manchester City are competing with his current team, Barcelona, for the services of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
Although Guardiola wants the German midfielder to remain with City once his current deal expires, Barcelona is making an effort to sign him to a La Liga contract instead.
“I know that Barcelona are interested — and City are too,” said Guardiola, whose team won a record triple of the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season. “I know that City are interested,” he said.
“I really hope that he doesn’t leave us. It would be an incredible signing if he were to choose Barcelona as his new team. We are doing all in our power to keep him here.
“I am aware that Barca are interested in him and that Xavi has been in contact with him on many occasions. If he decides to sign with Barcelona, I will reassure him that he will enjoy his time there very much.