French President Emmanuel Macron negotiated with Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez over Kylian Mbappe | OneFootball

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was in Paris on Tuesday to attend a FIFA anniversary gala, celebrating 120 years since the foundation of football’s governing body, and came across none other than French President Emmanuel Macron. It was the latter that wanted to see commander in-chief of the Santiago Bernabeu.

The topic on his mind was Kylian Mbappe, and while there was no suggestion that he wanted the French forward to remain in Paris – as there was in 2022 – Macron was keen to see Mbappe return swiftly for the Olympics in the French capital this summer. The Games are due to be underway just 10 days after the final of the Euros. According to MD,  Macron spoke with Perez about the possibility of Mbappe leading the French side under Thierry Henry. Perez rejected his request, and the implication is that Mbappe will join up with Los Blancos in late July or early August, following holidays after the Euros.

Mbappe is likely to be presented before that point, and will no doubt be included in their preseason tour. The chance to parade arguably the best forward in the world, and their biggest signing since Cristiano Ronaldo, to the US crowds will be irresistible to Real Madrid. It could well be worth millions to Los Blancos too.