Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence on Kylian Mbappe to Chelsea speculation

The French striker has been linked with move to the Blues

Kylian Mbappe's desire to join Chelsea has been rumoured, as Paris Saint-Germain are eager to get him off their books after he declined to sign a contract extension through 2025.

The Ligue 1 champions excluded Mbappe from their pre-season trip to Japan due to concerns that he may already have a deal with Real Madrid for a free transfer in 2024.

Pochettino previously worked with Mbappe when serving as PSG manager, and the former Tottenham boss has acknowledged developing a strong friendship with the Frenchman while Chelsea remain interested in signing him.

“I think in our past we were at Paris Saint Germain with Kylian and think I need to be conscious that I cannot talk. Everything you talk is too much noise."

It is a situation that is very delicate and one they need to fix in Paris with Kylian. For our side I have nothing to say," the Chelsea boss told reporters."

"We are working on our reality, our reality is different. From my side, nothing to say, only to support them. I hope they find a solution for both sides."

"It is a club that I love because I was a player, a captain and a coach. With Kylian we created a very good relationship, I hope they can find the best solution for both sides."

Several Premier League teams, notably Chelsea and Manchester United, have reportedly expressed interest in Mbappe, although they have not yet made a formal offer.

PSG have accepted a record-breaking bid from Saudi Pro League Al-Hilal of €300 million (£259 million/$332 million) for the player.

At this point in his career, Mbappe is reported to be emphatic that he would not sign with the Middle Eastern team and would instead choose to watch from afar at PSG.

If Mbappe refuses to agree to a new deal by the end of the month, PSG will formally put him on the market for sale, putting his future in jeopardy.