Kylian Mbappé wants to play for Zinedine Zidane. The young star's desire to play at Real Madrid, however, does not mean it will come to pass, with Paris Saint-Germain determined not to let him go.

Mbappé's PSG obstacle to Madrid

Florentino Pérez checked out the situation the day before yesterday as he visited the French capital for the 69th FIFA Congress. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the PSG president, was expected to attend but managed to avoid a photo that would have no doubt fuelled the speculation. The Emir of Qatar, the true owner and lord of the PSG manor, had planned to be at Roland Garros for the French Open, but he too chose to stay in Doha. Both knew that Mbappé has decided he wants to leave, but they do not want to open the door for him.

The Emir is tired of the Neymar controversies, the pressure of Financial Fair Play and the Champions League disappointments. The idea of their star leaving, which very recently seemed impossible, could now be taking shape.

Full screen Thinking | France's Kylian Mbappe at training session in Clairefontaine. FRANCK FIFE (AFP)

In the current scenario, the possibility of the 20-year old ending up in Madrid appears to be more likely than even just a month ago. But even so, it would still be a risky operation to undertake. Florentino has made a point of not angering PSG. He would prefer instead that Mbappé makes the appropriate moves to progress the transfer.

And that is exactly what the player has done, making it clear to Zidane about his dream move to Real Madrid. Now he has to send that same clear message to his coach, Thomas Tuchel. To date the French player has shown his intentions, but now must do so much more forcefully.