The Real Madrid hierarchy have shelved plans to bring Neymar to the club; instead will focus on signing teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid’s preparations for a big summer window are well underway. The La Liga giants have ambitious plans to bring several high-profile players to the Santiago Bernabeu in the window although one of those stars is off their list. The Mail are reporting Real Madrid have shelved any plans to bring long-term target Neymar to the club, although they still remain interested in PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Neymar has been a Real Madrid target even before he joined Barcelona five years ago. The Brazilian left the Catalans in a world record deal to join Paris Saint-German two seasons ago. Ever since he kicked a ball in Paris, the links to Madrid re-emerged and this summer the Bernabeu faithful had been hopeful of his high-profile arrival.

However, in light of recent events which are set to tarnish the Brazilian’s reputation, Madrid have decided against taking the risk on Neymar. The club does not want the former Barcelona superstar anymore, but they still remain interested in bringing his PSG teammate and World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe was named the Ligue 1 player of the season as he finished as the top scorer in France at the end of the term. He has undoubtedly maintained his great performances both for club and country over the last three seasons. So far Mbappe has refused to rule out a departure from the club.

Madrid no longer want Neymar but still remain interested in Mbappe. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)
Madrid no longer want Neymar but still remain interested in Mbappe. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)

Madrid have been on Mbappe’s trails for long and want to bring the Frenchman to the Spanish Capital. President Florentino Perez is hoping to begin a new era of superstars at the club with several other high-profile players linked with a switch. Eden Hazard is expected to join from Chelsea, while Manchester United star and Mbappe’s national teammate, Paul Pogba is also high on their list.

The decision to move away from Neymar was caused by the Brazilian’s growing off-field activities. Madrid might be feeling that bringing the player at a very high price would only go on to tarnish their historical reputation, especially from a player who has been unpredictable outside of football. Such a decision could pave the way for Barcelona to re-sign Neymar, as the Catalans remain very much interested in the Brazilian.

However, with huge outlays expected on players like Hazard, Mbappe has a much significant price tag than the Belgian. The Frenchman, who cost PSG upwards of €180 million, will be sold only for a world record fee that is expected to be way more than what Barcelona received for Neymar.

Mbappe surely will be a good investment for a club like Madrid, considering the player has a long future ahead of him unlike Neymar, who might play for another five years at the top. However, the price tags players like Mbappe carry can be afforded by only a handful of clubs and Madrid could flex their financial muscle to show others their dominance and bring Mbappe to the Bernabeu.

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