Kylian Mbappe's future at Real Madrid has been thrown into doubt, with a move to the Premier League emerging as the most likely outcome if he departs the Spanish giants. The 27-year-old French striker was left out of the squad for Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona due to a hamstring injury, fueling speculation about his long-term prospects at the club.
Injury and Fan Backlash
Mbappe trained earlier this week and appeared to have recovered from the muscle problem that had sidelined him previously. However, during the final session before the weekend fixture, he pulled up and revealed the issue had flared up. According to Spanish publication Marca, his abrupt departure from training surprised his teammates, who will now face Barcelona without him.
The injury comes amid heavy criticism from Real Madrid fans after Mbappe was photographed holidaying on a yacht with his girlfriend while recovering from the hamstring problem. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa defended the player, stating, 'In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he wants, like any other player.' However, fans disagreed, and an online petition titled 'Mbappe out' collected over 60 million signatures, though not all signatories may be acting in good faith.
On-Field Performance
Since joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, Mbappe has scored goals with remarkable consistency, netting 85 times in 100 appearances across all competitions. This season alone, he has scored 41 goals in 41 outings. Despite his individual brilliance, Mbappe's two seasons in Madrid are likely to end without a La Liga, Champions League, or Copa del Rey trophy, unless Real can beat Barcelona without him and overturn an eight-point deficit in the final three league games.
Transfer Odds and Speculation
With unrest in Spain, potential moves for Mbappe have been widely discussed. Arsenal have emerged as the favourites to secure his signature, with odds of 4/1 according to BetVictor. Behind the Gunners are Manchester United at 5/1 and Chelsea at 6/1. Other options include a move to any French club or a sensational switch to Barcelona, both also priced at 6/1.
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the Gunners would love to sign Mbappe but doubts it will happen this summer. 'Arsenal would love Kylian Mbappe and he'd be perfect on their left wing,' Petit told BOYLE Sports. 'The only reason I think Mbappe will stay at Real Madrid is because if he leaves without winning a trophy it would make his move a failure. Mbappe has a huge ego so he will probably want to stay and prove the opposite. I don't see him leaving Madrid unless the decision is made for him.'
Petit added that fan pressure could play a role: 'The only way he leaves is if Florentino Perez cracks under the pressure. Four million fans have signed to say they want him to leave the club. That could be the end for Mbappe because Florentino Perez is a political guy.'
If Arsenal win the Champions League for the first time, Petit believes it would transform their transfer appeal. 'Winning the Champions League would change the course of their history and send a strong message in the transfer market. Players would want to play for the Champions League winners, and it would help attract Kylian Mbappe if he does leave Real Madrid.'
