Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Kylian Mbappe and Pepe

Real Madrid have reportedly convinced AS Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe to move to La Liga this summer, by promising the 18-year-old one of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema or Gareth Bale will make way.

A report from French publication L'Equipe (h/t Spanish source AS, via MailOnline's Jonathan Spencer) has revealed how Real manager Zinedine Zidane and team president Florentino Perez convinced Mbappe to sign after talks last week.

Specifically, the reports detailed Los Blancos' two-pronged approach to signing Mbappe, per Spencer: "Firstly, they stated their intention to make Mbappe the best player in the world, and secondly, the pair claimed that either one of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema will be walking out the exit door this summer, meaning he will be guaranteed a place up front."

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press/Associated Press

As Spencer also pointed out, there is reason to believe Bale may be moved on, despite support from the Real hierarchy. Sections of the club's support favour former Malaga attacking midfielder Isco over Bale, per the reports.

Rumours of Bale moving on have accelerated since mega-rich Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the Welsh forward, per French source Le Parisien (h/t Metro's Mark Brus).

Injuries have been an issue for Bale since the former Tottenham Hotspur star moved to the Santiago Bernabeu for a then-world-record fee in 2013. Still, the 27-year-old is a lethal attacker when fit, thanks to his pace, shooting power and considerable aerial threat.

Yet for as good as Bale can be, no player is generating more hype in Europe than Mbappe. The teenage attacker is a dynamic, long-striding forward who can thrive on either flank, as well as through the middle.

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He is also a naturally cool finisher, one who found the net 26 times in all competitions last season, according to WhoScored.com. Even at such a young age, Mbappe is already showing the potential to become one of football's elite players in the near future.

Fortunately for Los Merengues, Mbappe has made it clear he wants to join Real, per Spanish publication ABC (h/t Metro). The youngster proved last season he can thrive at the top level, so a move to Real would surely accelerate his development within arguably the most talented squad in the game today.

Defender Linked With Move to Turkey

One member of Real's squad who could move on this summer is centre-back Pepe. The 34-year-old Portugal international is being linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas.

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Ahmet Bulut, agent of Barcelona winger Arda Turan, is working on the deal with Pepe's agent, Jorge Mendes, and told Spanish publication AS (h/t Football-Espana.net): "Yes, I’m currently in Lisbon for Pepe. There are big clubs chasing him, but his transfer to Besiktas is close."

AS also provided details about the type of contract Besiktas will offer the three-time UEFA Champions League winner: "The newspaper reports Pepe is demanding a two-year contract worth €10 million, plus a €2.5 million signing-on fee. However, with the Turkish champions still working towards satisfying FFP, they must sell before committing to such mammoth terms."

Landing Pepe would be a coup for Besiktas, since the veteran is still a highly capable defender. He remains dominant in the air and a precise tackler who wins the ball with anticipation and timing.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Losing Pepe would be a blow for Los Blancos, despite the presence of Raphael Varane and Nacho alongside talisman at the back, Sergio Ramos. Yet Pepe's knowhow and influence will surely be missed among a squad built on talent and depth.

Real can at least make sure their attacking depth remains strong, as well as getting younger up top, if they are able to wrap up a deal for Mbappe.