Mauricio Pochettino: 'Chelsea signing Kylian Mbappe is not reality'

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea's head coach, has claimed that his club's "reality is different" from the clubs attempting to recruit Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

The Blues were under severe pressure at the end of last season to produce transfer cash and decrease their pay bill in order to comply with FFP restrictions.

However, 13 players from the 2022-23 squad have left, 10 on a permanent basis, with only two new arrivals, Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, at Stamford Bridge.

Although Chelsea will not compete in Europe next season, a report over the weekend stated that the club would investigate whether it was possible to sign Mbappe this summer.

The Ligue 1 winners have put the France international up for sale after he turned down the chance to sign a new contract at Parc des Princes.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has since made a £259 million bid for the 2018 World Cup champion, which has been accepted by PSG but not by the player.

Other Premier League clubs are reportedly examining the situation if the 24-year-old declines the possibility to sign an extremely lucrative deal to move to the Middle East.

The Argentine told reporters:

"I think in our past we were at Paris Saint Germain and 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. 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 coach. With Kylian we create a very good relationship, I hope they can find the best solution for both sides."

Chelsea are presently attempting to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo for more than £70 million, only to be told by the Seagulls that they will accept an offer of £100 million.

Chelsea were reportedly willing to trade Conor Gallagher for at least £40 million, but Pochettino stated at the same press conference that the 23-year-old remained in his plans.

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