The Paris St. Germain forward is still being linked to Real Madrid, but manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed on Thursday that the LaLiga club has ruled out signing Kylian Mbappe before the transfer market ends next week.
Ancelotti further stated that Real are not likely to complete any other transfers before the current transfer window shuts on September 1.
When asked about France striker Mbappe, he told reporters: “No, I rule it out 100 per cent. I think our squad is closed and our players are thinking about our season.”
The transfer window remains open in Saudi Arabia beyond September 1, which means clubs from the Gulf nation could still poach Europe’s best players, but the Real boss was not concerned.
“Someone may change their mind, but I am not afraid of that,” he added ahead of Real’s LaLiga game at Celta Vigo on Friday.
Did you read this?
Midfielder Luka Modric did not start Real’s first two league games, leading to speculation that the Croatian is unhappy with the situation, something which Ancelotti denied.
“Luka has already defined his future. He has no problem, he will contribute,” Ancelotti said.
“It’s a special situation for everybody, for him it’s strange not to play from the first minute but he will contribute as always.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga, a recent acquisition who joined Real on loan from Chelsea, will make his league debut in goal in Real's opening home match of the year, according to Ancelotti.
After Thibaut Courtois underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, Andriy Lunin filled in as the goalkeeper for the first two victories of the season.
