Could Chelsea join Real Madrid in the Kylian Mbappe race?

Chelsea is no stranger to signing big name players every summer. The Blues broke their own transfer record just a few months ago when they forked over £97.5 million to sign striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan. They have also added high profile stars like Kai Havertz and Timo Werner over the last few seasons. As Thomas Tuchel’s team prepares for its upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash against Real Madrid, it could be devising a strategy to compete with Los Blancos in the transfer market, as well.

This wouldn’t be the first time the two sides have gone head-to-head off the pitch. The European giants are actually quite familiar with one another’s business, whether it be doing deals amongst themselves or targeting the same stars. Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Mateo Kovacic are three names in the current respective squads that have played for both sides. Furthermore, players like Sevilla centerback Jules Kounde are receiving interest from the Blues and their Spanish foes regarding future deals. However, there is one superstar that could now have a choice to make as Chelsea and Real Madrid get set to potentially duel for another deal this summer.

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Chelsea and Real Madrid set to battle for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe’s rumored transfer to Real Madrid has been the worst kept secret in football over the last year. The French superstar was the subject of transfer deadline day speculation as Los Blancos attempted to swoop in for the wonderkid with a bid of over €100 million. It goes without saying that Paris Saint-Germain rejected those bids as it took its chance with a Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe front three for this season. The French giants crashed out of the UCL in the Round of 16 as none other than Real Madrid dealt the lethal blow to the trophy hopefuls.

Now, PSG will almost certainly have to watch hopelessly as its talisman departs for greener pastures. Jerome Rothen of Radio Monte-Carlo (RMC) is one of the firm believers that PSG still has a chance to retain Mbappe. He is now reporting that Los Blancos and Les Parisiens aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 23-year-old. A third team—considered to be a mystery club—has emerged as a serious contender to sign Mbappe. Rothen went on to claim that club was not Barcelona, which leaves supporters to question who the mystery bidder could be.

While Chelsea may currently be stuck in a cloud of uncertainty at the club level, it isn’t far-fetched to believe the Blues could be entering their name into the Mbappe sweepstakes. After all, he has a handful of connections to the reigning Champions of Europe. Perhaps the most important link is the one between he and Tuchel. The former PSG manager coached Mbappe during his time in the French capital. Mbappe expressed his admiration for the Blues’ boss following the conclusion of last year’s Champions League that ended with Tuchel and his team lifting the trophy.

The versatile French forward—who once notably underwent a trial at Chelsea—wouldn’t be the first player from Les Parisiens to make the switch to Stamford Bridge on a free summer transfer either. Mbappe’s former teammate, Thiago Silva, has found a home in SW6 over the last few years. The Brazilian has become a beloved figure in west London, where he just recently put pen to paper to his stay for at least another season. It goes without saying that Mbappe would be a fan favorite from the day the deal is announced if he were to sign for the Blues.

All of that being said, it’s still a long-shot that Mbappe signs anywhere other than Real Madrid. The biggest club in the world has immense pull. This is only furthered by Karim Benzema, Mbappe’s compatriot, courting the forward in every other interview he gives. Los Blancos are also managed by one of the finest attacking minds in world football in Carlo Ancelotti. The chance to play for a massive club like Real Madrid only comes around every so often, especially for the player who hung posters of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, on his wall as a child. One thing is certain: whichever club that signs Mbappe will be lucky to get this global superstar.

Do you think the Blues could sign Mbappe this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!