Lyon defender Castello Lukeba "has everything" like Josko Gvardiol, according to team-mate Dejan Lovren.

Ex-Liverpool man Lovren returned to Lyon in January after almost 10 years away and has already been impressed by some of his new colleagues.

Lukeba, who only turned 20 in December, was promoted to Lyon's first team in 2021 and has formed a strong partnership with Lovren so far in 2023, starting the last four Ligue 1 games together.

Lovren said: "It's good, we communicate well. He understands what I ask of him. 

"Frankly, he's a very, very, very good player with the qualities to one day be one of the best defenders."

France Under-21 international Lukeba has made 56 appearances in all competitions for Lyon, including 23 in the league so far this season.

And Lovren, who has played alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Samuel Umtiti and, at international level, Gvardiol, sees similarities with a former defensive partner.

"I can compare him with Gvardiol," Lovren said. "He has everything.

"He is very, very young, and he still needs to work a lot. I am there for him, to give him advice. 

"He is a player that I really get a lot from playing with. He understands quickly."

RB Leipzig centre-back Gvardiol has been considered one of the most exciting young defenders around in recent years, attracting interest from many of Europe's biggest clubs.

Most strongly, the Croatia international has been repeatedly linked with a move to Chelsea following their big-money takeover by US businessman Todd Boehly.

Mason Mount's future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with his current deal due to expire in 2024.

Mount has rebuffed multiple contract offers from the Blues, prompting speculation he could move on.

Chelsea are determined to hang on to the 24-year-old but if they cannot, the optimal time to sell may be at the end of this season.

TOP STORY – MAGPIES TO RIVAL REDS IN MOUNT RACE

Newcastle United will join the pursuit to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount at the end of this season, claims the Daily Mail.

Liverpool have been linked with Mount given his contract status, but the Magpies could rival that interest given their deep pockets.

Financial Fair Play rules may limit Newcastle's ability to land Mount having spent £165million this season on Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and others.

ROUND-UP

– The Sun claims Arsenal's top two priorities for the off-season are signing Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and West Ham United's Declan Rice. The Nigerian, who has interest from Manchester United too, wants to play in the Premier League one day.

– Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all retain interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo despite penning a new deal until 2027 last week, claims Football Insider. According to the report, Brighton's asking price is upwards of £90m.

– Footmercato reports Real Madrid head of recruitment Juni Calafat met with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham at a London hotel on Tuesday, as numerous clubs circle for the England international.

– Liverpool sent scouts to watch coveted Benfica defender Antonio Silva and midfielder Florentino Luis last Friday, claims 90min. Real Madrid have been linked with Silva, while Tottenham have a reported interest in the pair.

– Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are all proactively keeping tabs on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot's situation and availability, claims 90min.

– Bayern Munich will not sign Joao Cancelo permanently after this season, instead letting him return to Manchester City upon the conclusion of his loan spell, according to Calciomercato.

For Paris Saint-Germain, every new season brings a "this is it" feeling with regards to their Champions League hopes.

It's been the club's obsession ever since the Qatari state poured in their petrodollars back in 2011, and after a few years of building up a head of steam domestically, European success has been the chief aim.

Each pre-season sees the arrivals of new superstars, most years bring a new coach who has the ownership group's vain ambitions thrust upon their shoulders. The faces change, the goal doesn't – and neither, until now, has the ultimate destination.

Here we are in March 2023 and PSG still haven't won Europe's top prize. They find themselves 1-0 down after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern Munich, meaning they need to win at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

It feels quite early in the season for such a talented group of players to find themselves in a "do or die" position, but that's the harsh reality.

This kind of situation is arguably the whole point of their vast spending, though: having the world-beaters who can almost single-handedly get you out of such a predicament. After all, a 1-0 deficit is hardly insurmountable.

Obviously, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi will be looked to as the keys to survival and progression. PSG's Qatari overlords might even go as far as saying they were brought to Paris to win the Champions League: that's their job.

Of course, their time together at the club has been blighted by speculation of a fractured relationship, partly due – apparently – to Messi being so close to Neymar, who Mbappe is also said to have become distanced from.

But we're not here to indulge those interested in the kind of juvenile nonsense pedalled by clickbait merchants who're obsessed with the pantomime vilification of anyone/anything.

In fact, there is plenty of evidence that Mbappe and Messi genuinely "get" each other on the pitch. Their 21 goal combinations since the start of last season is nine more than any other pairing across the top five leagues.

PSG's excellent 3-0 win over Marseille in Le Classique at the end of February was a prime example of them clearly having rapport. Both of Mbappe's goals were set up by Messi; Messi's goal was set up by Mbappe.

For the first, Messi spotted the devastating run of Mbappe, who applied a clinical finish. They then switched roles for 2-0, the World Cup winner left with a tap-in from his partner's brilliant low cross.

They finished Marseille off in style. Messi's scooped pass released Mbappe, and he emphatically volleyed home from a tight angle.

Granted, it takes more than one match to show a telepathic on-pitch relationship has formed. But them switching it on as a duo shouldn't be sniffed at, particularly in the Classique.

Some might argue the absence of Neymar helped, and will continue to be a positive for the rest of the season.

Neymar will not play again this term due to an ankle injury, in what has seemingly become par for the course for the Brazilian in Paris. By the end of the 2022-23 campaign, he'll have played just 48 per cent of his possible minutes in Ligue 1 since joining, and the highest proportion of league minutes he'll have racked up in a single season will be 54.4 per cent.

But does it matter?

Some will fairly point out Neymar's 34 goal involvements across all competitions this season is bettered only by Mbappe (37) and Erling Haaland (38), and level with Messi. This is true, but does he really carry the same importance as the other two? And, as a trio, are they really as lethal as you might expect them to be?

Since Messi joined, PSG actually have a better win percentage when one of their star trio isn't starting (69.4 per cent, compared to 64.7 per cent). Admittedly that's not a significant difference, but over the same period their win rate when Neymar isn't in the starting XI is 75.9 per cent and 63 per cent when he is.

By comparison, when one of Mbappe or Messi drop out of the line-up, PSG's win percentage falls from 72.9 to 60.

For all his talents, many don't think Neymar will be missed. Former France international Christophe Dugarry is among them.

"I'm happy for PSG that Neymar is injured. I think this is an incredible opportunity for [Christophe] Galtier. The team is much more balanced with five defenders and Mbappe and Messi up front," Dugarry told RMC Sport. 

"I can't watch [Neymar] anymore, I can't stand him anymore. I can't stand his dribbling and that attitude. I don't want to see him on the field anymore, I'm tired."

Proving Neymar's absence makes PSG better is arguably impossible, but Dugarry's comments do strike a chord when he speaks of balance – even Galtier accepts they will be more balanced without the Brazilian.

Galtier does not think it makes them a better team, but that balance is potentially more important at the moment, especially in Europe.

PSG are the only side left in the Champions League who haven't kept a clean sheet in the competition this season, and in all competitions they have only managed two shutouts since the World Cup.

Of course, the situation is slightly more nuanced than being a case of "getting rid of Neymar equals a good defence", but Julian Nagelsmann pinpointed PSG's strength.

"What we need is to prevent them from using their pace," he said. "In Ligue 1, they often defend deep and play on the counter-attack. If you give their attackers too much space and they can unleash their footballing qualities, it's incredibly difficult to defend."

When it comes to pace and speed on the attack, is Neymar really essential for that?

Maybe he was the missing piece all these years. Perhaps, had Neymar not been injured so often in the second half of the season, they'd have won the Champions League by now.

But given how much of the past six years Neymar's missed (52 per cent if you're counting…), it would almost be fitting if PSG went on to win the Champions League without him.

Ligue 1 strugglers Angers have parted company with coach Abdel Bouhazama after he seemingly downplayed the seriousness of sexual assault.

Angers are languishing at the bottom of Ligue 1, having taken just 10 points from 26 games this season.

They are 10 points from safety and have failed to win a top-flight game since September, losing 16 of their 18 games since then.

While Angers stated Bouhazama had left due to the poor results, he also departs under the shadow of damning comments made during a pre-match team talk ahead of Sunday's 5-0 defeat to Montpellier.

Bouhazama is said to have told his players "It's not that serious, we have all touched girls", as he aimed to justify Ilyes Chetti's inclusion in his starting XI.

Chetti has been charged with the sexual assault of a woman in a nightclub last year. He will appear in court in April.

On Tuesday, Angers confirmed they had agreed to Bouhazama's resignation. 

"The decision to resign was taken by him at the end of February after several disappointments on the sporting front," a club statement read. "In addition, a controversy arose on Monday after comments, taken out of context, made during the pre-match talk, were leaked to the local and national press.

"Faced with media pressure and in order to preserve the club's image and the serenity of the dressing room, Abdel Bouhazama announced to president Said Chabane that he had decided to leave his position as coach of the professional team. The president accepted the coach's decision.

"Angers unreservedly condemn the words spoken during the talk, even if they seem to be more clumsy than intended to trivialise a sexist remark.

"Moreover, the club does not accept any form of discrimination and condemns sexism and misogyny.

"Abdel Bouhazama has apologised to his colleagues, particularly female ones, and has therefore preferred to draw the consequences of both his record and his blunders."

Bouhazama took charge of Angers on an initial interim basis in November and was handed the job permanently during the World Cup break.

Christophe Dugarry is "happy" for Paris Saint-Germain that Neymar is injured as his absence provides an "incredible opportunity" for head coach Christophe Galtier. 

PSG on Monday revealed Neymar is out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The Brazil forward did the damage during a 4-3 win over Lille last month and is expected to be sidelined for up to four months.

Neymar has scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists for the Ligue 1 leaders this season, but former France striker Dugarry believes they are better off with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi as an attacking duo.

He told RMC Sport: "I'm happy for PSG that Neymar is injured. I think this is an incredible opportunity for Galtier.

"The team is much more balanced with five defenders and Mbappe and Messi up front."

A straight-talking Dugarry does not want to see former Barcelona man Neymar play for PSG again.

He added: "I can't see him anymore, I can't stand him anymore. I can't stand his dribbling and that attitude. I don't want to see him on the field anymore, I'm tired!"

Dugarry would be much more concerned for PSG if either Messi or Mbappe were unavailable.

He said: "Hugo Ekitike has shown that he is still not at the desired level and the other attackers are also mediocre."

PSG will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they face Bayern Munich in a Champions League round of 16 second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Manchester United have reportedly been sending scouts to watch Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although their pursuit could be complicated by interest from his former club.

Abraham, 25, left Chelsea following the 2020-21 season for a £34million fee, and the England international has already exceeded his Chelsea haul of 82 appearances and 30 goals in less than two seasons in Italy.

After racking up 53 outings and 27 goals in his debut campaign with Roma, Abraham has come back down to earth this time around, with just seven goals in 34 games.

There is said to be interest from United in the striker with 11 senior caps for England, although Chelsea will ultimately have the final say about whether they allow him to head to Old Trafford.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA HOLD THE KEYS TO UNITED'S ABRAHAM PURSUIT

The Athletic is reporting United are closely monitoring Abraham's progress this season and have been present at a number of Roma games for that reason, but Chelsea have negotiated a buy-back clause that will give them the option of first refusal.

As part of the sale to Roma, Chelsea included a stipulation that allows them to bring Abraham back for £70.9m (€80m) after at least two seasons have passed – meaning it will activate this coming offseason.

The report adds that Chelsea are in desperate search of a new centre forward, and that while the fee involved may be significant, it is believed to be far less than the demands expected from Napoli for 24-year-old Victor Osimhen.

ROUND-UP

– According to Mundo Deportivo, citing Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have enquired about 29-year-old Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who will be available for an affordable fee after rejuvenating his prospects with a strong loan spell at Lecce.

– Tottenham are trying to pry 28-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse away from Southampton, who would almost assuredly leave his club if they cannot fight their way out of the relegation places, according to Football Insider.

– Sport is reporting Barcelona have an interest in signing 27-year-old Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio if he allows his contract to expire in a few months and can join on a free transfer.

– According to Calciomercato, Inter are hoping to replace outgoing centre-back Milan Skriniar with Lille 22-year-old Tiago Djalo.

– Newcastle United are eyeing Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Leicester City's James Maddison as potential midfield reinforcements for next season, per Football Insider.

Lionel Messi achieved a "lifelong dream" when lifting the World Cup with Argentina but wants further glory after initial struggles at Paris Saint-Germain.

The 35-year-old finally got his hands on the coveted world trophy last December after inspiring Lionel Scaloni's Albiceleste to their first World Cup since 1986.

Messi scored seven times in the 2022 edition, including a double in the dramatic shoot-out victory over France in the final, to go with his three assists.

The former Barcelona man was once again at his brilliant best, firmly securing his place as one of the greatest of all time in footballing history.

"Well, it was really impressive. Everything I experienced was very nice, it's hard to explain, right?," the Argentina star told PSG's media. 

"Because it is a lifelong dream that came true, and we were able to share it with the people of Argentina, the way the people of Argentina celebrated it.

"Honestly, we expected it to be crazy, but not as crazy as it was in reality. It's a moment that will stay with us for the rest of our lives, for us who were lucky enough to play in it, and for all the people of Argentina."

It may have largely been misplaced to expect Messi to struggle at the World Cup but his PSG form heading into the tournament was far from his usual lofty standards.

The global superstar scored just six times from 26 appearances in his debut 2021-22 Ligue 1 campaign in Paris.

While acknowledging the difficulties of settling in the French capital, Messi has since found his feet and scored 13 goals in 21 Ligue 1 appearances this term.

He added: "As I said several times, the first year I had a hard time adapting to Paris for different reasons, but this season I started it differently, with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of desire, and more comfortable with the club, the city, everything that Paris means. 

"I've really enjoyed the season as I'm feeling now. I think my whole life was like that. The dedication, the work, the effort, and wanting more every day."

"It was my turn to come to a new club with the goal of being able to win the title with Paris, to be able to achieve the great objectives that we set at the beginning of the season.

Christophe Galtier's side are eight points clear at the top-flight summit as they aim to defend their Ligue 1 crown, while a crucial Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich comes on Wednesday.

PSG are 1-0 down ahead of the return leg to the Allianz Arena but Messi is out to make history with the French giants.

"It was my turn to come to a new club with the goal of being able to win the title with Paris," he continued.

"To be able to achieve the great objectives that we set at the beginning of the season, we are looking to do that."

Neymar will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to ankle surgery, Paris Saint-Germain announced on Monday.

The Brazilian has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during the 4-3 victory over Lille in February.

Head coach Christophe Galtier confirmed last week that Neymar would remain absent for the Ligue 1 clash against Nantes, a 4-2 win, as well as Wednesday's Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Bayern Munich.

It has now been announced that a return this season is not on the cards, with Neymar out of action for the next three to four months.

A statement read: "Neymar Jr has featured several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years.

"Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the Paris Saint-Germain medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence. All the experts consulted confirmed this need.

"This surgery will be performed in the coming days at ASPETAR Hospital in Doha.

"A delay of three to four months is expected before his return to collective training."

Neymar had been enjoying his most productive season for PSG since the 2018-19 campaign, equalling a tally of 34 direct goal involvements (18 goals, 16 assists) in all competitions – joint second-highest in his PSG career, behind the 44 in his debut season.

Lionel Messi knows Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of Champions League success will be dictated by the "small details" when they face Bayern Munich.

The Ligue 1 champions meet the Bundesliga champions in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday at Allianz Arena, having lost the first leg 1-0 on home turf.

Defeat capped a three-game losing run for Christophe Galtier's side, but they have responded since with a trio of dramatic victories to bounce firmly back.

Those wins have helped generate momentum heading towards their biggest game of the season yet, and Messi knows the little touches will decide who makes the quarter-finals.

"It is important to come into the game this way [after three wins]," he told the club's official website. "Before that, we were not in the best form we've been in this season.

"I think we have important victories to reinforce the team as we go to Munich. It will be a very tight and difficult match, where it is decided by small details.

"It is also very tough to win in Munich, but I think we are well-prepared. We are capable of turning the situation around. I feel very good.

"I think the team has changed in the last few matches. We have a different face, a different dynamic. [We have a] great hope to continue our journey in the Champions League.

"We will do everything we can to try to turn the situation around against Bayern and get through the round, which is everyone's goal."

Neymar will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to ankle surgery, Paris Saint-Germain announced on Monday.

The Brazilian has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during the 4-3 victory over Lille in February.

Head coach Christophe Galtier confirmed last week that Neymar would remain absent for the Ligue 1 clash against Nantes, a 4-2 win, as well as Wednesday's Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Bayern Munich.

It has now been announced that a return this season is not on the cards, with Neymar out of action for the next three to four months.

A statement read: "Neymar Jr has featured several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years.

"Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the Paris Saint-Germain medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence. All the experts consulted confirmed this need.

"This surgery will be performed in the coming days at ASPETAR Hospital in Doha.

"A delay of three to four months is expected before his return to collective training."

Neymar had been enjoying his most productive season for PSG since the 2018-19 campaign, equalling a tally of 34 direct goal involvements (18 goals, 16 assists) in all competitions – joint second-highest in his PSG career, behind the 44 in his debut season.

Victor Osimhen is winning plenty of admirers at Serie A leaders Napoli having netted a league-high 19 goals.

The 24-year-old Nigeria forward joined Napoli in 2020 and is under contract until 2025.

But the Partenopei will have their work cut out keeping Osimhen that long, even if they will reportedly ask for more than €100million to let him go.

TOP STORY – OSIMHEN IS UNITED'S PRIORITY STRIKER TARGET

Osimhen is top of Manchester United's four-man striker shortlist, according to Football Insider.

United boss Erik ten Hag has identified Osimhen as his preferred off-season signing to bolster their front line.

According to the report, United wants three major off-season signings to maintain the momentum gained this campaign, including adding another quality striker.

Osimhen is the top priority ahead of Tottenham's Harry Kane, Roma's Tammy Abraham and Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist.

ROUND-UP

– The Athletic reports United are tracking Abraham, but he also has interest from Chelsea, who negotiated a £70.8m (€80m) buy-back clause when they sold him to Roma.

– Angel Di Maria is open to staying with Juventus, who are ready to work to agree a new contract with the winger, claims La Gazetta dello Sport.

– Barcelona are preparing to pounce for Marcus Thuram, who will exit Borussia Monchengladbach as a free agent at the end of this season, reports Fichajes.

– It had been reported Houssem Aouar would join Eintracht Frankfurt, but Calciomercato claims there is new interest from Napoli along with Milan in the Lyon midfielder.

– Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and wants to sign him in the off-season, claims The Mirror.

Kylian Mbappe reiterated his commitment to Paris Saint-Germain, though he is set on winning the Champions League.

Mbappe became PSG's record goalscorer as he sealed a 4-2 win over Nantes on Saturday.

The 24-year-old surpassed Edinson Cavani's tally of 200 for the club when he slammed home in stoppage time. Mbappe took just 247 matches to reach 201 goals – Cavani's 200 strikes came from 301 appearances.

Having won the 2018 World Cup with France and five Ligue 1 titles, the Champions League has evaded Mbappe, who has a runners-up medal from the 2020 final when PSG lost to Bayern Munich.

Bayern stand in the way of PSG's progress this season, with the Bundesliga giants holding a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.

While Mbappe sees himself as an eventual Champions League winner, he refuted the suggestion Wednesday's result will have a direct impact on his PSG future.

"I don't think so," he said in a press conference.

"I think if I read my future it's [winning] the Champions League, and I'm not disrespecting the club. I will have gone very far. 

"I am here, I am very happy. I'm very happy here, and for the moment I'm not thinking about anything else but making Paris Saint-Germain happy."

Mbappe's sole focus is now on propelling PSG to a result in Munich. He returned from injury in the first leg and saw an equaliser disallowed for offside.

"It's a good moment for me [becoming PSG's all-time top scorer], but for the team, the good moment is the three consecutive victories after the defeat against Bayern and that's the most important thing," he added.

"Of course, I'm happy, it's important for the team. But the most important thing is that the team has got its head together and is ready for the challenge in Munich on Wednesday.

"[Can I score my] 204th, 205th? We don't know. Yes, as I said, the goal is clear, we want to go there to qualify. We have a lot of confidence, and humility too because we play a great team.

"But we are Paris Saint-Germain, and we always go to win matches and we will go to Munich to win, to qualify, to come back happy."

PSG coach Christophe Galtier, meanwhile, is honoured to be coaching Mbappe.

"It's already a privilege to experience this, live, in real-time. It's a privilege for a coach to have a player like Kylian, who in my eyes is the best striker in the world," Galtier told reporters.

"Our fans, but also people who love French football must appreciate the value of having such a player in our league.

"He is determined to break many records, to make sure that the team wins, and that the team goes as far as possible.

"It is a privilege for me to have witnessed this. It's a privilege for Paris Saint-Germain to have a striker like Kylian. You have to appreciate it for what it is."

Bernardo Silva is one step closer to getting his desired move to Barcelona after it was reported that Manchester City have named a price for their wantaway midfielder.

Silva, 28, is in his sixth season with City, but after four Premier League titles and 51 goals for the club, he recently spoke about his wish for a new challenge following multiple transfer windows with heavy interest from Barcelona.

The Portugal international, who scored against Newcastle United on Saturday, has a contract that ties him to the club until 2025, but City might be set grant his wish at the end of the season and allow him to leave – for the right price.

TOP STORY – CITY SET ASKING PRICE FOR BARCELONA-BOUND BERNARDO

According to Sport, City have told Silva that they will accept any incoming bid that reaches their demand of £57.5million (€65m).

Barcelona are well aware of the latest development, and are said to be doing all they can in the coming months to ensure the financial rules allow them to make the move. However, Silva's contract demands could be a stumbling block for the Spanish giants.

Reports suggest City previously rejected Barcelona's £62m (€70m) approach during the January window.

ROUND-UP

– Calciomercato is reporting Inter will seek a €40m fee for defender Denzel Dumfries.

– According to The Mirror, Manchester United and Liverpool are among the Premier League teams preparing to make a run at New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.

– City will pursue RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol if they sell Paris Saint-Germain target Aymeric Laporte, per the Daily Star.

– Football Insider is reporting Arsenal, City, United and Liverpool are all showing interest in Brighton and Hove Albion's World Cup-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister , who the Seagulls are expected to price at £70m.

– According to Calciomercato, Milan are targeting £22m-rated (€25m) Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Kylian Mbappe savoured his "special" achievement of becoming Paris Saint-Germain's outright leading goalscorer on Saturday and declared "there is still a lot to be done."

Mbappe moved beyond Edinson Cavani's tally with his 201st goal for PSG in stoppage time to seal a 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Nantes at Parc des Princes.

The France forward's incredible haul of goals for the Ligue 1 champions has come in only 247 games.

Mbappe was wearing the captain's armband when he made history after Marquinhos was withdrawn in the second half due to injury.

The former Monaco man set the record aged only 24, turning sharply in the box before drilling home with a typically clinical finish.

He told Canal Plus: "I play to make history and I have always said I wanted to make history in France, in the capital of my country, in my city, and I am doing that.

"It's magnificent, but there is still a lot to be done.

Mbappe added: "For me, as a native Parisian, this is special. If someone had said to me I would score the goal to beat the record while wearing the captain's armband, I would not have believed it."

PSG had made hard work of going 11 points clear at the top of the table after taking command early on courtesy of Lionel Messi scoring in a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 game and a Jaouen Hadjam own goal.

Gianluigi Donnarumma gifted Nantes a lifeline when Ludovic Blas beat the PSG goalkeeper at his near post from wide on the left when he was anticipating a cross and Ignatius Ganago equalised with a first-half header.

The champions were not to be denied all three points, though, Danilo Pereira heading them back in front and Mbappe putting the icing on the cake in the closing stages.

Christophe Galtier's side now turn their attention to trying to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they travel to Bayern Munich for the second leg of a Champions League round-of-16 tie on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe surpassed Edinson Cavani as Paris Saint-Germain's all-time leading goalscorer after netting against Nantes on Saturday.

Uruguayan striker Cavani scored 200 for the club, taking the record from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Mbappe is now out in front.

The 24-year-old joined from Monaco on an initial loan deal in 2017 before his stay was made permanent for €180million – he remains the second-most expensive player of all time.

He scored 21 goals in his debut campaign but then reached an altogether different level in the 2018-19 season, scoring 33 in Ligue 1 alone.

Mbappe has continued on a similar trajectory ever since, with his 201st goal coming after just 247 matches – Cavani's 200 came from 301 appearances.

Although Mbappe's form was deemed to have waned – aside from his five-goal haul against sixth-tier Pays de Cassel in the Coupe de France – after the World Cup, he has shown his importance to the club by reaching such a landmark.

He arrived at PSG during the same transfer window as Neymar, while the 2021 signing of Lionel Messi brought another big name aiming to be the club's main man.

Yet Mbappe has been comfortably the most consistent of the trio, regularly spurring PSG on to success in the absence of the often-injured Neymar prior to Messi's arrival.

Mbappe is also closing in on Cavani's status as PSG's record Ligue 1 goalscorer, with the current Valencia player having scored 138 in France's top tier – his former team-mate is just two behind.

It seems doubtful that Mbappe will stick around long enough to take the all-time record for Ligue 1 goals, however.

Former Monaco, Reims, Tours and Toulon forward Delio Onnis holds the record with 299.

To surpass him, Mbappe would likely need to spend several more years in Ligue 1, and that seems unlikely given the almost continuous links with the likes of Real Madrid.