Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane could be soccer’s biggest transfer stories this summer

Kylian Mbappe’s decision t to take up option of a 12-month extension on his Paris Saint-Germain contract could spark a bidding war for French superstar this summer.PSG is adamant he will t be allowed to leave as a free nt when his current deal runs out at end of next season, meaning he could be put up for sale during this transfer window if a resolution over his future is t agreed.

Real Madrid has coveted Mbappe for a number of years and in 2021 unsuccessfully launched a bid of $190 million to take him to Bernabeu. Spanish giant would appear to be likeliest destination for World Cup-winning forward — especially at a time when it needs to find a replacement for Karim Benzema, who has joined Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad. But Mbappe has this week described reports claiming he wants to move to Madrid this summer as “lies.”

PSG will be put in a difficult position if Mbappe sticks to his current stance that he will t leave this summer and also will t sign a new contract. Qatari-backed French club has already seen Lionel Messi walk away as a free nt, after Argentine great agreed to join MLS team Inter Miami, and would likely miss out on one of biggest transfer fees in history of soccer if Mbappe leaves for thing as well. Madrid is unlikely to be only major European club interested in Mbappe, but his price tag means only a select few could afford to fund deal. Here’s a look at or star players who could be on move.

HARRY KANE (TOTTENHAM)

England’s all-time leading goal-scorer is entering final year of his contract and continues to be linked with moves to Manchester United and Madrid. Tottenham has resisted all previous attempts to lure its iconic striker away but faces risk of losing him for thing if he refuses to extend his current deal. Kane has never won a major trophy and turns 30 before start of next season. Spurs also kw this summer may be last chance to command a big fee for Kane, and reportedly value him at $123 million. It remains to be seen wher Madrid’s reported interest cools in light of Mbappe’s potential availability. In addition, that could also mean PSG is in market for a new striker this summer.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN (MANCHESTER CITY)

Fresh from lifting Champions League trophy in Istanbul, City’s inspirational captain is set to become a free nt, unless a new contract can be agreed soon. Gundogan has repeatedly been linked with a move to Barcelona, but City manr Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he wants 32-year-old midfielder to stay. Having completed treble including Premier League title and FA Cup this season, it might be perfect time for Germany international to say farewell.

DECLAN RICE (WEST HAM)

After seeing his England midfield partner Jude Bellingham sign for Madrid, Rice is also expected to be on move this summer. Arsenal appears to be leading race for his signature, despite midfielder also being linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. An all-action midfielder, Rice would be a statement signing for Arsenal after London club’s Premier League title challenge collapsed in final weeks of season.

VICTOR OSIMHEN (NAPOLI)

free-scoring forward has established himself as one of most exciting strikers in world and has picked up many admirers as a result. Manchester United has been linked most heavily, given Erik ten Hag’s need to bring in a top-class replacement for Cristia Ronaldo, who left in vember. Osimhen might t be only member of Napoli’s league title-winning team who gets attention this summer especially following departure of inspirational coach Lucia Spalletti. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was outstanding last season, while defender Kim Min-jae is ar player who has been linked with United.

JOSKO GVARDIOL (RB LEIPZIG)

One of stars of World Cup, Croatia defender has been linked with a move to Manchester City. However, Leipzig is expected to demand a world-record fee for a defender if it is to sell Gvardiol. United paid 80 million pounds (n $97 million) for Harry Maguire in 2019. Guardiola has already spoken of need to build on City’s Champions League success. Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic is ar player City has been linked with. Maguire, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future at United after losing his place under Ten Hag. He has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

MASON MOUNT (CHELSEA)

Chelsea has rejected a bid of around $51 million from United for England midfielder, a person with kwledge of offer told Associated Press. person spoke on condition of anymity because y were t permitted to comment publicly. Ten Hag has identified Mount as one of his top targets this summer as he looks to add more depth to a squad that won League Cup and finished third in Premier League last season. But, with a top striker his priority, he is limited to how much he will able to spend elsewhere and it remains to be seen if United will go as high as Chelsea’s reported valuation of around $89 million. Along with Tottenham, United has also been linked with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. Mount has previously been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.

RANDAl KOLO MUANI (EINTRACHT FRANKFURT)

France striker impressed at World Cup but was only in squad as a late injury replacement before seizing his chance to shine. He’s long been seen as a target for Bayern Munich as German champion has looked short of a center-forward since Robert Lewandowski left last year, but PSG and Manchester United have also been reported to be interested. Kolo Muani scored 23 goals and set up 17 more in his single season with Frankfurt, which only qualified for Europa Conference League next season.

MOISES CAICEDO (BRIGHTON)

Perhaps if Arsenal had been successful in its attempts to land Caicedo in January, it would t have fallen away so dramatically late in season. midfielder has established himself as a stellar talent and looks certain to leave Brighton this summer. Arsenal continues to be linked, along with Chelsea, while many more are likely to monitor his situation.