Mbappe discusses potential move to Real Madrid with Vinicius Junior

Kylian Mbappe has reportedly been in personal communication with Vinicius Junior over the past few weeks with the intention of strengthening their rapport prior to his transfer to Real Madrid in the upcoming summer, according to 90min.

Mbappe's delayed transfer to Madrid was authenticated on Monday, yet questions remain about how he will adapt to playing with Vinicius, who has taken on the role of the central forward since Karim Benzema left the team.

Wanting to prepare as much as possible, it is understood by 90min that Mbappe has been in direct touch with Vinicius multiple times in recent weeks to gain a clearer insight into what his future as a Madrid player will entail.

Mbappe, along with building his on-field rapport with Vinicius, has also sought advice on playing for Madrid, acknowledging that he is transitioning to a club with considerable differences from his previous team, Paris Saint-Germain.

While Mbappe exercised substantial influence in Paris, he will not be afforded the same degree of leverage in Madrid, as evidenced by the club's reluctance to let Mbappe participate in this year's Olympic Games.

Mbappe had even contemplated becoming a free agent and postponing his move to Madrid which would have allowed him to compete in the Olympics in his home country. However, officials from the Spanish team clarified that such an option would not be feasible.

The 25-year-old was also instructed to select a currently available squad number. The No. 7 jersey he wore at PSG is presently used by Vinicius, and Modric, expected to stay on another year at Madrid, has claimed the No. 10. Mbappe is not bothered by this situation and is predicted to wear the No.9 jersey.

Further demonstrating Madrid's determination to maintain control, Mbappe has acquiesced to an annual pay of €15m, a reduction from the salary offered to him in 2022. President Florentino Perez, who led the deal, was determined to demonstrate to the Frenchman that no individual player will dominate at the Bernabeu.

Regardless, Mbappe has accepted a €150m sign-on bonus, to be given over five years, although some of this may end up being allocated to PSG, who are still finalising the terms of his departure.

Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti is intrigued by the strategic challenge presented by incorporating Mbappe into his squad. There are suggestions that Brazilian winger, Rodrygo, who regularly started games alongside Vinicius this last season, might be left out. However, 90min reports that there is currently no indication that the 23-year-old is planning an imminent departure from the club.