Mbappe, Ronaldo and Icardi hop on the big-money transfer carousel

Real Madrid have initiated ‘Project Mbappe’ to land the French superstar and add another ‘Galactico’ to their squad. The ambitious move could start a chain reaction of high-profile transfers involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauro Icardi.

With Real and Juventus both changing manager since the season concluded, transfer plans are now being put in place with both clubs desperate to bolster their attacking line while PSG are at risk of losing Kylian Mbappe. The 22-year-old's future is insecure with just one year to go on his contract. He’s struggling to agree a new deal in the French capital, leading to speculation he could be sold.

The striker has been heavily linked with Real as the Spanish giants bid to overhaul an ageing squad for new manager Carlo Ancelotti. Karim Benzema was Real's best player last season but, at 33, president Florentino Perez knows he must find a long-term replacement for the striker and is desperate to secure Mbappe's signature.

And it’s Kylian’s France teammate Karim Benzema who is believed to be playing a role in the whole transfer saga. Benzema has a huge authority among the next generation of French stars. He’s been tasked into talking Mbappe into making the move to Madrid before the next season begins.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mbappe is 'a gift' for Ancelotti and Real will press on with a move for the 22-year-old in the hope they can get him to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for a modest fee with just 12 months left on his current deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauro Icardi could also move soon (©AFP)

However, Real's move for Mbappe is likely to trigger a huge transfer carousel between three of Europe's biggest clubs. It is reported that Mbappe's exit will see PSG then move for Ronaldo, who is believed to want to leave Juventus this summer. The Portuguese star's future in Turin is uncertain this summer, despite the club clinching Champions League football and winning two trophies.

Massimiliano Allegri has taken up his old role in the hotseat at the Allianz Stadium after the axe was wielded on Andrea Pirlo - and the new boss is said to have not waved away the prospect of letting Ronaldo leave. Ronaldo's contract at Juventus also expires next year and, with time rapidly ticking down on his stay at the club, speculation is mounting that he is unhappy and would be open to leaving.

Gazzetta dello Sport also claim that PSG forward Icardi could be used in a deal with Juventus for Ronaldo. The Argentine striker was heavily linked with Juve during his time at Inter Milan but a deal failed to materialise. He was criticised in the aftermath of PSG's elimination from the Champions League and played just 28 times this season, scoring 13 goals.