Real Madrid should be punished for Mbappe pursuit – PSG chief Leonardo

Real Madrid should be punished for their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, according to Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo.

Mbappe’s contract at PSG is due to expire next year and Madrid have been open in their admiration for the France international.

Madrid president Florentino Perez suggested earlier this week that Los Blancos were optimistic about getting positive news on Mbappe in January – though he quickly followed that up by saying his comments were misinterpreted.

Karim Benzema then said Mbappe moving to the Santiago Bernabeu was only “a question of time”.

PSG were reported to have rejected multiple bids for Mbappe from Madrid during the most recent transfer window, though Leonardo still feels the Spanish giants have been posturing for the best part of two years in the hope of getting the striker on a free transfer, and he says their conduct should be punished.

“From Madrid they deny, but I think Real Madrid have been doing a job to buy Mbappe [on a free transfer] for a long time,” Leonardo said at the Festival dello Sport.

“For two years they have been speaking publicly about Mbappe. This must be punished.

“From Real Madrid I see a lack of respect for Mbappe. He is not a normal player, he is one of the best in the world.

“The manager, the board, Madrid players spoke about Kylian… I think it’s part of their plan. Not respectful.”

Mbappe confirmed earlier this month that he wanted to leave PSG in pre-season and Madrid was the only club he wanted to join.

Nevertheless, he did not rule out signing a new deal with PSG, and his mother even claimed this week that Mbappe is still in talks over a contract extension.

“Our idea is to extend Kylian Mbappe’s contract,” Leonardo added. “Nothing has changed in our plans.

“Kylian is a jewel, he is incredibly perfect for PSG. Then we have Kylian, Leo [Messi], Neymar. We’ve never planned PSG’s future without Mbappe.”