After a difficult season at Real Madrid, where fans turned on Kylian Mbappe at times, there is now increasing concern over his behaviour in France. The 26-year-old forward will lead Les Bleus into the World Cup as captain for the first time, but his leadership is already being questioned.

Mbappe has reportedly been spoken to over his behaviour in the second half of the season by Real Madrid, seemingly causing dismay among his teammates at the Santiago Bernabeu. His commitment was questioned after he appeared to be fit to face Barcelona in El Clasico, but dropped out of the squad late on after finding out he would be on the bench.

Mbappe upsets France squad after multiple incidents

Reports from France have not painted things in any better light. A series of events explained on Siempre Madrid, have Mbappe firstly giving teammate Ngolo Kante the cold shoulder in the tunnel of a recent friendly clash. Following their warm-up game against Northern Ireland, he also left the camp hours later due to ‘personal reasons’. Subsequently, he was then photographed with his girlfriend, Spanish actress Ester Exposito.

The issues extend onto the pitch as well. Ballon d’Or winner and Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has seemingly questioned his defensive work-rate in the dressing room, a recurring criticism in Spain.

Weighty expectations on Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is one of the favourites to win the Golden Boot this summer at the World Cup, but is also tasked with leading the line for a star-studded France side expected to challenge for the trophy. Given PSG’s success in the Champions League of late, and Real Madrid’s struggles, the finger of blame has been pointed at Mbappe with increasing regularity. If he does not meet expectations at the World Cup this summer, the noise will only grow louder.

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Spain are sweating a little less in the heat of the United States, after positive updates on the fitness of Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old has not featured since mid-April, but is on track to be available for their World Cup opener.

The Barcelona star limped off during a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in April after scoring a penalty, which was then diagnosed as a hamstring tear. He was expected to be out for six to eight weeks, and was in danger of missing their opening two games of the World Cup against Cape Verde (15/6) and Saudi Arabia (21/6). Yet the general consensus is that he will be fit for the first game.

Lamine Yamal expected to play against Cape Verde despite Barcelona concern

As explained by Cadena SER, Lamine Yamal is keen to play in the opening game against Cape Verde, which will take place in Atlanta. Barcelona are concerned by this, feeling it is an unnecessary risk, but Lamine Yamal is due to be given a handful of mintues off the bench in that game. In their second clash with Saudi Arabia six days later, he will then be given more time, with the aim of coming into their third and final group game against Uruguay at full pelt.

Spain manager optimistic on Lamine Yamal fitness

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente seems just as optimistic about his star man’s fitness as he is. Speaking to Cadena SER in an interview (via BNN) he had the following to say.

“Nico [Williams], Lamine and Víctor [Munoz] are meeting their recovery deadlines, they are doing very well. It was convenient for them to stay there these days working to do more specific work.”

“I think all three will be available for the next match. That’s great news (…) If there are no problems in the next few days, we expect them to be ready for the 15th.”

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Atletico Madrid have made it clear that they will not give up Julian Alvarez without a fight this summer, but it may in fact benefit Arsenal. Real Madrid confirmed they had had a bid turned down for Alvarez on Tuesday evening, but the Gunners are being cast in pole position for the Argentina forward.

President Florentino Perez had committed to making a €150m bid for a player last week, but confirmed that their offer for Alvarez had been turned down. Nevertheless, it has been disputed whether there was an offer, or even a real intention to sign him. Barcelona on the other hand do have a desire to sign Alvarez, and have had their own €100m offer turned down, but Atletico are reluctant to sell both.

Arsenal cast as favourites for Julian Alvarez offer

In Spain, Diario AS (via BNN) say that Arsenal are the side with the best chance of signing Alvarez, and perhaps the only side that can ‘rescue’ him. The 26-year-old has informed Atletico about his desire to leave, but given they do not want to sell to another La Liga side, they could consider an offer from a side abroad. The Gunners are currently the only other side interested, and would have the money to put in a bid somewhere between Barcelona’s and Real Madrid’s offers.

Obstacles to Arsenal move

Last month, Paris Saint-Germain were also thought to be interested in Alvarez, but they did pull out of the race for Alvarez. The French side were unconvinced that Alvarez was entirely keen on a move to PSG. This could also be an obstacle for Arsenal, with it known that Alvarez prefers a move to Barcelona if possible. If that does not entirely halt Arsenal’s pursuit of Alvarez, it could certainly drag out a move late on into the summer.

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