Real Madrid are pursuing Kylian Mbappe and facing the reality of losing Raphael Varane — report

In today’s Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano reported that Real Madrid are not at all idle in the pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, and that they will try to sign the Frenchman this summer — likely in August after the Euros are over.

Mbappe, like Erling Haaland, has reportedly already expressed his desire to play at Real Madrid this coming season. But the barrier in both cases will be their parents clubs. Borussia Dortmund want a reported 175m for their prized Norwegian superstar; and PSG are willing to keep Mbappe in Paris at all costs — even if it means running the risk of losing him for free next summer.

Meanwhile, The Athletic have reported that while Real Madrid are pursuing Mbappe, they are increasingly aware of the fact that Raphael Varane will be likely leaving them. The report states that Varane’s representatives have informed the club that he’s looking for a ‘new challenge’, and that several sources in Madrid see the club selling him for around 40 - 45m. To be sure, that seems like a low figure, even a steal for any club that snatches him for that amount. It’s hard to see Varane being let go for that amount, even with just one year left on his contract.