Barcelona target audacious Mbappé steal from Real Madrid

The idea that Barcelona could land the signing of a true world superstar in the coming months sounds somewhat ridiculous given the widely reported financial situation. The latest information, supported by audits and statements, has indicated that Barça is on the verge of bankruptcy. But that said, the leadership at the Catalan club believe that one major transfer will indeed be made ahead of the 22/23 season.

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Could Barcelona steal Mbappé from under Madrid’s nose?

The salary limit and the amount Barça can spend on staff will increase next season and, despite the club's large debt, it will have room to make signings to improve the squad. This is despite the fact that the club's vice-president, Eduard Romeu, admitted earlier this week that Barça will be unable to sign big stars for another two years. The club has, however, now let slip that one of the objectives to get them back amongst the elite is to try to convince Kylian Mbappé to come to the Camp Nou, in the knowledge that he is a free agent come the end of this season.

Real Madrid's interest in signing the France star is no secret. Mbappé has publicly stated that he has always wanted to join Los Blancos and by not penning a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain had hoped that it would already have happened. PSG denied him that move and now January is poised to be negotiation time for the player once again, but this time with other interested clubs.

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Barça’s attempts to turn everything on its head is going to be entrusted to the Israeli agent, Pini Zahavi, who was the one who carried out the transfer of Neymar from the Camp Nou to PSG for 222 million euros, the most expensive transfer in the history of the sport. Yes, Mbappé will not have a transfer fee payable, but the club that signs him will have to pay him a sizeable signing-on amount. According to sources close to Barça, they are willing - based on their belief that their accounts will allow it next July - to pay him 90 million euros up front. They understand that rivals Real Madrid are only willing to pay 50 million. In terms of salary, Barça also think they can outbid Florentino Pérez, with a limit set at the 17 million euros net that Gareth Bale earns. That said, Madrid’s accounts are in better shape and likely give them more room to manoeuvre.

Truth be told, the hard fact is that Real Madrid have the advantage when it comes to signing the player many see as the successor to more than a decade dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the very top table. Back in 2017, Barça reportedly had the chance to sign Mbappé (a deal worth €120m plus €30m in add-ons) but chose instead to go for Dembélé. An audacious steal may be in the offing this time around, but there is a feeling that they may have missed their chance.