Premier League Teams Panicked

"How are the negotiations with Mbappe progressing?"

Txiki Begiristain took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"The negotiations are still ongoing, but Monaco has received several other offers. Paris Saint-Germain has also made contact, and they have plenty of money."

"Paris?" Mubarak raised an eyebrow. "Can Ligue 1's exposure compare to the Premier League's?"

Mubarak fell silent for several seconds, then looked at Txiki Begiristain with rare seriousness.

"Speed up the negotiations! Liverpool have already won the Premier League and the League Cup this season, and they've reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals as well. If they win another two trophies, do you know what that means?"

Txiki Begiristain nodded.

"It means next season's Premier League will be even harder to compete in." Mubarak placed the report on the table, his fingers lightly tapping the surface.

"We need Mbappe! He's an essential piece for Pep in his battle against Liverpool next season. We absolutely cannot hold him back!

Tell those people at Monaco that Manchester City has money to spare.

And tell Mbappe's side that the Premier League's competitiveness and exposure are leagues beyond anything Ligue 1 can offer."

Txiki Begiristain nodded, rose to his feet, and left the office.

At the same time, at Cobham Training Ground in London.

Marina, who was sitting in her office, received a call.

She glanced at the screen. It was Abramovich.

"Boss."

"How are the negotiations with Messi going?" Abramovich's voice came through the phone.

"Messi's father has agreed to the broad outline of the personal terms. The only uncertainty is Messi himself. Barcelona seems to have swayed him with an emotional appeal, and he's become somewhat hesitant."

"Barcelona's emotional appeal?"

"Yes. They invoked the name of Messi's late mentor, Vilanova..."

"Damn it, Bartomeu really has no shame whatsoever!"