The best Kylian Mbappe replacements: PSG's options to succeed want-away superstar - ranked

Should PSG be forced to part with Mbappe, it will be considered a massive failure in the transfer market if they do not bring in an outright goalscorer to step straight in. That said, if signing a replacement is proving a struggle, new boss Luis Enrique could tinker with his line-up and push Neymar to a more advanced role. That would perhaps take away some of the 31-year-old's creativity, but the Brazilian has never had difficulty finding the back of the net.

Indeed, if PSG are outbid for one of their top targets, and deem that the handful of other options on the market are too pricey, Neymar could comfortably score 20 goals in Ligue 1. It's worth noting, though, that the Brazilian may not be open to such a role — though the choice won't necessarily be his. Consider this one a last resort, then.

The Belgian's career seems to be up in the air at this point. Lukaku is still technically a Chelsea player, although that looks likely to end soon. Inter are reportedly interested in bringing him back to Milan, and the striker would seemingly be more than happy to carry out that move. Still, Chelsea have asked for more than the Champions League finalists have offered to date, rejecting a €30m (£26m/$33m) bid outright.

PSG are in need of a more natural striker, and they have shown some interest in Lukaku before - although they never made a proper offer for his services. This is admittedly an imperfect fit, Lukaku isn't as mobile as the other options PSG are reportedly prioritising, and his struggles in big games are concerning. But this is an expensive striker market. There are not often discounts in football for No.9s that can be counted on for 15 goals plus per season. And while it's laughable that Chelsea's €40m (£47/$50m) asking price is considered cut-rate these days, this one makes sense - if only on a short-term basis.

Tottenham do not want to sell Kane - that much is clear. But the England captain is yet to indicate that he will pen a new contract to extend his stay at the club beyond the 2023-24 season. The two parties are at an impasse, then. It makes no sense to let their best player - and most valuable asset - leave for free. But Kane is a game-changing talent, and Spurs' best opportunity to ensure they stay in contention for European football next season.

Bayern Munich remain keen but, having lodged two bids for the striker which were far off the London club's valuation of the player, there might be an opportunity here for PSG. Indeed, Spurs will not sell Kane to a Premier League rival and while it remains to be seen if they're going to be as picky when it comes to sides in Europe, the competition shouldn't be vast. Real Madrid want, and will likely get, Mbappe. Barcelona do not need another striker. Borussia Dortmund can't afford him, and it's difficult to see an Italian club making a serious push.

PSG need a striker, ideally a creative one who can bang in the goals, and they've got the money to get it done. Kane would well be their man.

This one would likely break Manchester United hearts. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in a deal for the Denmark international, although they could find themselves priced out - especially if PSG are willing to pay Atalanta's supposed €100 million (£85m/$110m) valuation of the striker.

And there's a tactical fit here, too. Hojlund is strong and quick, while his finishing continues to improve. His nine Serie A goals don't stand out but the Danish international didn't exactly benefit from regular service. With more chances coming his way, he will score more goals. And with the likes of Neymar and Marco Asensio to feed him, those goalscoring opportunities should come in bunches.

His relative inexperience is perhaps of concern - Hojlund won't turn 21 until February 2024. Still, this is a signing for the present and future, with Hojlund potentially developing into a top European striker someday. That's worth taking a chance on.

PSG have been sparingly linked with Ramos for a few months now, while sporting advisor Luis Campos has been a fan for nearly a year, according to French Football News. And it makes sense. Ramos scored 19 times for Benfica in the Portuguese top flight, and added seven in the Champions League for good measure. His star showings in the World Cup for Portugal further suggest that the 22-year-old is a player ready for the spotlight.

Benfica have been shrewd sellers of late, too. They got an initial €75m (£64m/$81m) for Darwin Nunez from Liverpool last summer, and could demand even more for Ramos, not least because of the gaudy price top players have already been sold for this summer. That Campos has a good working relationship with Jorge Mendes, Ramos' agent, only adds to the feasibility here. He's not option No.1, but it would not be a surprise to see Ramos in Parc des Princes at some point soon.

Vlahovic's move to Juventus in 2021 hasn't done his career trajectory many favours. Since signing for the Old Lady, the Serbian failed to reach his goal totals in either of his final two seasons at Fiorentina and scored only 14 times in all competitions last year. Still, he's just 23 and has the technical ability to draw attention from all over Europe.

He's a different kind of player to most of the others on this list. He won't run in behind like Victor Osimhen, or dribble around opponents like Randal Kolo Muani. He's not a particularly good passer, either.

Instead, Vlahovic is a pure goalscorer, the kind of player that feasts off half chances and tight spaces. It's enough, apparently, for PSG to be interested, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he's among their top targets for this summer. They will face stiff competition from Chelsea, who also need a No.9. But if PSG want to get it done, they certainly have the cash.

Osimhen made it clear a few months ago that he wanted to play in the Premier League someday. But with Manchester United reluctant to spend big on one player, that dream could be put on hold — at least for a few years.

Enter PSG, then. The Parisians won't have any qualms about splashing the cash, while Osimhen is arguably the best out-and-out No.9 in Europe that's not named Haaland. And he's only getting better. Osimhen has improved on his goal total in each of his last three seasons, finishing the 2022-23 campaign with 31 in all competitions. He's a unique profile of player, too. The Nigeria international is relentlessly direct, good in the air, and lethal running in behind. But he's also an ever-improving passer, and should have little trouble adapting to the type of possession-based football Luis Enrique will likely employ. The next guy is the consensus target for the Parisians, but Osimhen isn't a bad backup.

This has been an open secret for some time now. PSG have had their eye on Kolo Muani for a few months, hoping that giving Mbappe a strike partner would secure his long-term commitment to the club.

And while his presumptive signature won't keep Mbappe in Paris, Kolo Muani does seem like a perfect fit. He can play either centrally or in the left channel, and has the creativity to adapt to the needs of other forwards alongside him. Only Raphael Guerreiro had more assists in the Bundesliga than Kolo Muani's 11 last year. Add his 15 goals for an underperforming Frankfurt side, and an Mbappe-less PSG would love to have him.

The other benefit here is that Kolo Muani has established himself as a regular for the French national team. PSG's fans have long been crying out for more of a French influence in their side. Mbappe certainly offered that, but Kolo Muani will replace it - if admittedly with less star power. All that's left is to meet the German club's asking price, a surprisngly agreeable £80m ($103m), according to The Independent.