Mbappe to leave, Pep announces exit – Wednesday’s biggest stories

FT Desk

• Updated: 25 Aug 2021 22:25 BST
• 2 min read

There is now less than a week to go until the summer transfer window closes and that was apparent on Wednesday as clubs began to increase their urgency in completing deals.

Mbappe set for Real Madrid

The biggest story of the day was undoubtebly the revelation from PSG transfer chief Leonardo that Kylian Mbappe wanted to leave the club.

Leonardo admitted defeat in PSG's attempts to keep Mbappe and said that they would allow him to leave if Real Madrid met their demands. He also confirmed one bid had already been rejected, before slamming Madrid.

Guardiola announces Man City exit

Pep Guardiola announced on Wednesday evening that he will leave Manchester City in 2023 and then take a break from the game.

"After seven years at Man City, I think I'll have a break, stop for a while, see what we've done, reveiw inspirations and in the process, I'd like to coach a national team, South America, European, play a Copa America, I want this experience," Guardiola said.

Harry Kane announces he's staying

One player who is staying, though, is Harry Kane. On Wednesday, the Tottenham striker announced that he will be remaining at the club this season.

Kane had expressed his desire to join a bigger club that can challenge for major titles, with Manchester City doing everything to sign the player. However, Kane has now accepted that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy won't sell him.

Matheus Cunha signs for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that they have signed Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin, with the attacker joining the Spanish club for a reported fee of €30 million.

Cunha becomes Atletico Madrid’s second major signing of the summer, having previously captured Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese.

Torreira to Arsenal and other transfers

Elsewhere, there were a number of other interesting transfers that were completed.

Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira moved to Fiorentina on loan, with the option to make the deal permanent.

Real Sociedad bagged Leipzig's Alexander Sorloth on loan, Milan took Pietro Pellegri from Monaco for the 2021-22 season, while Aaron Lennon returned to Burnley.

Lazio signed Toma Basic from Bordeaux for €8m, Southampton announced Torino defender Lyanco, while Dortmund revealed that Thomas Delaney is moving to Sevilla.