Chelsea not in race to sign £146m player, but Liverpool have had a look before

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Chelsea are not in the race to sign reported Liverpool target Kylian Mbappe this summer.

Mbappe has once again today been named as a transfer target for Liverpool. Following yesterday’s news that the Frenchman won’t trigger an extension on his contract at PSG, Mbappe could now be on the market.

Addressing that prospect on The Football Terrace’s ‘Done Deal Show,’ journalist Ben Jacobs ruled out both Chelsea and Manchester United, but didn’t do the same for Liverpool.

“In terms of other clubs that could come in for Mbappe, we know about Real Madrid and that’s widely seen to be his preferred destination,” Jacobs explained. “I think depending on price, they may struggle to do business this summer, especially if there was a bidding war that emerged.

“I think there’s historical Premier League interest. We know that Liverpool have looked in the past and even Manchester United. But Manchester United don’t have the finances and budget at this point to pull off that kind of deal because, regardless of what the fee is, you’ve also got to cover the wages as well.

“My understanding is that Chelsea are not interested. Historically, they have indeed explored Mbappe as you would expect for a top club. But at this stage, Chelsea are not in the race for Mbappe, should he become seriously available this summer, which is the direction of travel at the moment. Unless PSG can agree a new deal, they will be absolutely desperate not to lose Mbappe on a free.”

Mbappe back on the market

At various points over recent years, Mbappe joining Liverpool had looked like something that could actually happen. Certainly just a year ago, with a situation not dissimilar to the one now, the Reds were definitely in the mix.

The difference 12 months ago though, is that the 24-year-old was available without a transfer fee. He would still have been asking for ginormous wages, no question about that. But without the need for a huge fee up-front, maybe Liverpool felt this was manageable.

This year, that won’t be the case. And although PSG know they could risk losing Mbappe on a free transfer, the price will still be high.

Marca report today that it could be lower than the £146m Real Madrid bid for the France international last year. Whatever it ends up being, journalist Fabrizio Romano has already moved to rule out a move to Anfield. It won’t happen, not this year anyway.

Still, there is good news to be had here. The fact that neither Chelsea or Man United will be getting Mbappe either is welcome.

Manchester City are yet to really be mentioned in connection with the World Cup winner, though. At this point, you get the feeling they’d be the only Premier League side truly capable of affording him without trouble.

If that does end up happening, Liverpool and their rivals will have an even higher mountain to climb domestically. So, of all the options for now, perhaps it’s best Kylian stays where he is, or finally gets his move to Madrid.