French football star Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) he will leave the Ligue 1 champions when his contract ends next year.

According to reports on Monday (June 12), Mbappe left the PSG hierarchy stunned by his decision to not take up the option of a 12-month extension on his contract, which he presented in a formal letter and follows Lionel Messi recently announcing his departure from PSG to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami in the United States.

Mbappe’s existing contract is set to expire after the 2023/24 season, but he has the option to trigger a one-year extension by July 31.

Last summer, Mbappe was reportedly on the verge of leaving PSG, with rumours of joining Real Madrid.

If PSG chooses to sell Mbappe during this summer transfer window, while Real Madrid remains keen on acquiring the French forward’s services, PSG has been reluctant to part ways with their prized asset, particularly with their Spanish rivals.

As a result, Real Madrid, who needs to fill the void left by the departure of Benzema has set their sights on securing the services of Tottenham Hotspur star striker Harry Kane.

Real Madrid is expected to be at the forefront of the race for his signature, as they seek to fill the void left by the departure of

Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema to Saudi champions Al Ittihad.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is believed to be a primary target for Real, while he has also been linked with a move to PSG as a potential replacement if Mbappe departs.

Questions are left surrounding the last member of the attacking triad Neymar although his contract does not expire until 2027.