Transfer Rumour: Manchester City trying to steal a march on Real Madrid for AS Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe

Manchester City have reportedly rejoined the race to sign AS Monaco star Kylian Mbappe this summer and are set to rival Real Madrid in his pursuit.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Manchester City are in advanced talks with AS Monaco over a possible move for Kylian Mbappe. The Citizens are attempting to hijack Real Madrid’s £143 million bid to sign the French teenage sensation this summer.

Mbappe has enjoyed a sensational rise to prominence over the course of the last year or so. The player has emerged as, perhaps, the most exciting young prospect in the world, having become one of the most instrumental figures for AS Monaco as he helped them clinch a shock Ligue 1 triumph last season.

Arguably the perfect embodiment of the fearless brand of football that Monaco played under Leonardo Jardim in the 2016/17 season, Mbappe boasts an astounding record for a player his age. The 18-year-old bagged 26 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, making a direct contribution every 66 minutes.

Some back pages covering tonight’s big news of a City bid for Kylian Mbappé, which is being widely reported now. pic.twitter.com/pqZkO7ylk1

— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 25, 2017

Additionally, the youngster was also awarded with the Ligue 1 Young Player Of The Year and a place in the Ligue 1 Team Of The Year while also making it to the UEFA Champions League Team Of The Season. Needless to say, he has established a burgeoning reputation in recent months, with the best clubs in the world after him.

Among these, Real Madrid have looked the closest to signing him this summer, with recent reports claiming that Los Blancos have stepped up their pursuit of the player, and for good reason. Alvaro Morata recently called time on his Real Madrid career for a second time as he joined Chelsea.

With Mariano Diaz leaving for Lyon, Karim Benzema is the only recognised option for Zinedine Zidane to choose. Meanwhile, the Frenchman has made it clear that Real Madrid are in the market for a striker, with Mbappe reportedly being his top target.

However, the Spanish and European champions now face stiff competition for the France international from Manchester City, who have rejoined the race to sign him. In fact, the Citizens are in advanced talks with Monaco to broker a deal for Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappé had a higher shot accuracy than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2016/17 (30+ shots).

An incredible 76.1%. ? pic.twitter.com/gl64thP4zC

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 24, 2017

Pep Guardiola already has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal, with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus his two choices up front. Thus, the interest in the Frenchman does come as a bit of a surprise. Nevertheless, a player of Mbappe’s calibre and potential can only add to the quality in Guardiola’s squad.

And even though City were one of the four clubs who made an illegal approach to sign him, they are confident of landing the player as they enjoy good relations with Monaco following the transfer dealings for Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy.

The Citizens are, therefore, confident that they can beat Real Madrid to the signature of Mbappe. Meanwhile, Los Blancos believe that they are the favourites to sign the teenager, having tabled a world record £143 million bid for him.

Monaco, though, are unwilling to part ways with Mbappe this summer having already sold some of their best players and are set to fight tooth and nail to retain his services. It will now be interesting to see if either of his suitors are able to land him as a head-to-head battle seems to be stirring up.