PSG appear closer than ever to landing Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe – but what does this mean for Celtic and Moussa Dembele?
Paris Saint-Germain appear to be doing everything in their power to ensure last season’s Ligue 1 title race never happens again. Free-scoring Monaco ended PSG’s relentless domestic domination last season by seizing the title but it appears unlikely that the principality side will repeat the trick this time around.
Especially with the Qatari-backed Parisiens closing in on a deal to relieve Monaco of their prized asset, future star and most potent attacking weapon, Kylian Mbappe, to the tune of £138 million, as reported by The Mail.
A front three of Mbappe, Neymar and Edinson Cavani; good luck Leonardo Jardim.
However, this eye-watering deal could also have major repercussions far and wide with Scottish champions Celtic at risk of being affected. Because L’Equipe (August 24th, page 4) is claiming that Monaco have identified the 21-year-old Frenchman as a possible replacement for the prolific Mbappe.
You can see why. Monaco’s thrilling title success was a credit to their remarkable scouting department with Les Monegasques signing young, often under-the-radar talents and turning them into highly-polished diamonds.
Dembele, who only just turned 21 last month, is a player with huge potential and Monaco would be hoping he could develop as quickly as Fabinho, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bernard Mendy and Bernardo Silva.
However, Monaco’s interest doesn’t necessarily mean Celtic should be quaking in their boots. Speculation surrounding Dembele, who netted 32 goals in his debut season, is nothing new with Marseille’s president confirming his interest in the former Fulham forward earlier in the week.
Furthermore, the report suggests that ice-blooded Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg is their first-choice target. Celtic will be hoping it stays that way.
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