The transfer deadline is fast approaching, and Real Madrid is making one last attempt to make a blockbuster signing before the window closes. Sources have told ESPN that Real Madrid recently offered $188 million to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to acquire the services of its French star Kylian Mbappe.

PSG immediately rejected Real Madrid's massive offer, with sources close to the La Liga giants admitting that negotiations to seal the Mbappe deal will be difficult to pull off. However, they added that Real Madrid remains hopeful that the two sides can agree on a deal before the transfer window closes on August 31.

PSG reluctant to sell Mbappe to Real Madrid

PSG will be reluctant to sell Mbappe even at such a high price as the Qatari owners see Mbappe as a vital piece for their Champions League aspirations this season. The Parisian giants have yet to win the European title in their history, but 2021 promises to be their best chance yet, with the club making many high-profile signings this offseason.

Of course, leading the list of the star names that the team acquired this summer is Lionel Messi. PSG made a huge coup by signing the Argentina captain away from Barcelona after the Catalan giants failed to register his new contract due to the club's financial problems.

Apart from Messi, also joining PSG this summer were former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and Achraf Hakimi. The club unveiled the five players before PSG's match against Strasbourg, with fans voicing their approval of the new signings.

Fans, however, are still waiting for Messi to make his debut for his new club. According to manager Mauricio Pochettino, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner could be part of PSG's squad for their next game against Reims in Ligue 1.

Mbappe's preferred destination is Real Madrid

PSG have managed to remain perfect to start the season without their star pairing of Messi and Neymar, winning each of their opening three league matches with Mbappe recording one goal and two assists during that stretch. PSG will become even stronger once the trifecta of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe line up together soon.

However, the problem for PSG is that Mbappe's contract is set to expire next year, and the 2018 World Cup star has made it clear to the club that he does not intend to renew his deal with Real Madrid, his preferred destination. Unfortunately for PSG, Messi's arrival has not changed Mbappe's mind regarding this matter.

Given their owners ' tremendous wealth, PSG can afford not to be sellers but are they willing to lose Mbappe on a free transfer next year. Real Madrid will no doubt increase their offer once more before the transfer window ends, and we'll find out soon enough if the Mbappe-Messi dream pairing sees the light of day in Paris.

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