Monaco chief offers clubs hope in Mbappe pursuit

Matt Stead

Monaco will not block Kylian Mbappe’s exit if the player wishes to leave, according to president Dmitry Rybolovlev.

Mbappe is certain to be one of the most in-demand talents in world football this summer after a remarkable breakthrough campaign in France.

He has helped guide Monaco to the Ligue Un title and the Champions League semi-finals with 26 goals in his first full season.

A host of clubs are thought to be interested in the teenager, with Liverpool reportedly bidding just over £64million for his services last week.

It emerged on Sunday that Real Madrid had offered a world-record £103m for Mbappe, and while Monaco rejected that too, they will not stand in Mbappe’s way if he wishes to leave.

“We are not here to decide in the place of men, block them, tell them yes or no,” Rybolovlev said.

“We have no budget problem and we are not forced to sell, but the day when a player or coach wants to leave, it’s just unimaginable to keep him against his wishes.

“We are not Real Madrid or Barcelona or Manchester. Everyone has to cross the road in his career to go even higher. You do not keep a man against his will.

“In business, if you go against the market and against the trends, you will always lose. Later, if someone goes, this is not our initiative. You know, [Anthony] Martial, it was he who wanted to leave and we can understand that.”