Kylian Mbappé wants to take over the legend's shirt at Real, because Vini Jr. denies him number 7
KYLIAN MBAPPE will be given Real Madrid's legendary number 10 shirt as he completes a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old Mbappe has informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will not activate an option to extend his contract for another year and will therefore leave as a free agent in June.
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Europe's elite have taken note of Premier League giants such as Arsenal and Liverpool and are monitoring the situation, but the star striker is reportedly “leaning towards” Real.
According to Mundo DeportivoLos Blancos are trying to sweeten the deal by offering him the same jersey number worn by past legends such as Ferenc Puskas, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf.
That means the France international will have to give up his trademark number 7 shirt, which he currently wears at PSG.
That's because Vinicius Jr has proven that he can carry it with the same class as legendary predecessors like Raul, Emilio Butragueno and of course Cristiano Ronaldo.
Luka Modric currently occupies the number 10 shirt but is expected to end his glittering 12-year career in Madrid once his contract expires in the summer.
The same report claims that Real plan to officially announce Mbappe's arrival before he joins France for Euro 2024.
However, there are still a number of formalities that need to be completed before the ex-Monaco star puts pen to paper.
A major issue standing in the way is the Frenchman's staggering wages.
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However, reports suggest Mbappe is willing to take a huge pay cut to eventually move to Real.
The La Liga giants are hoping to pay the forward less than his starting figure of £42.8 million (around £827,000 per week).
However, he is still expected to become the club's highest-paid player, surpassing England star Jude Bellingham by a significant margin.