KYLIAN MBAPPE “only wanted a move to Barcelona” in the summer and “did not want to return to Paris”, according to reports in Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain eventually struck an initial loan deal with Monaco for the forward — with the obligation to complete the £162million purchase next summer.
Real Madrid and Arsenal were among the other big names interested in the young superstar as the battle for his signature rumbled on all transfer window.
But Cadena Copa report Barcelona met Mbappe‘s father and were told they were the only club he wanted following the sale of Neymar, as he sought a move which would offer regular game time.
It even claims the Catalans had the option to close a deal for an initial fee of £107m plus £27m in add-ons.
However, they opted so sign Mbappe’s international team-mate Ousmane Dembele instead.
The report insists the former Monaco frontman was not keen on Real Madrid because he believed the famed BBC strikeforce of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo would limit his playing time.
That is despite reassurances from Zinedine Zidane.
Mbappe, 18, was born in Paris, but was not initially looking to make a return to the French capital.
Barcelona may now look back on the situation with a tinge of regret.
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Dembele has yet to off the mark for his new club since completing the £138m move from Borussia Dortmund.
And he is currently on a four-month lay-off following a thigh injury.
Mbappe, meanwhile, has slotted in seamlessly alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani at PSG.
He has four goals already this season and has started every match.
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