Real Madrid step up chase for Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has refused to rule out a move for Arsenal target Kylian Mbappe - who is now valued at £170m by Monaco.

Mbappe, 18, remains the most sought after young player in Europe after his stunning breakout campaign with Monaco last term.

Monaco recently threatened to take legal action against any club that makes an illegal approach for their prized asset, following a number of reports of meetings between the player and officials from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

But Real Madrid’s interest remains, heightened by Alvaro Morata’s recent move to Chelsea. Speaking ahead of his side’s preseason friendly against Manchester United yesterday, Zidane was asked if his squad was now weaker following the Spaniard’s departure, replying: “It certainly is. We saw what he did last season. He gave a lot to the team. Right now we are missing a striker,” AS reported.

Zidane is hopeful of making further additions following the arrivals of Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos, aged 19 and 20 respectively.

The young French star is also an Arsenal target, but Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger made no mention yet of any possible bid.

According to latest reports from Spanish newspaper Marca, however, Monaco will demand £170m from any club looking to sign Mbappe the summer, a figure they hope will act as a deterrent rather than a realistic selling figure.