The idea that Arsenal would sign Kylian Mbappe seems completely ludicrous. However, with the way Arsenal have risen to battle Manchester City and returned to the Champions League, it is perhaps understandable that the Gunners’ name is again being mooted alongside the highest profile names in the game, especially considering the recent agreement with West Ham over a price for Declan Rice.
Hypothetically, if Arsenal were to muster the money to sign Mbappe it could be one of if not the biggest transfer in Premier League history. That is the level we’re talking about.
However, what about at club level, how would it impact things at Arsenal? Well, football.london takes a look at three things we’re sure would happen if the Frenchman was to make a sensational move to Arsenal in the near future.
Gabriel Jesus question marks
It feels longer than just a year that Gabriel Jesus has been at the club. He fit in so seamlessly with Mikel Arteta’s ideals and it would be difficult to foresee anyone coming in to take his spot in the Spaniard’s side so soon but certainly, a signing like Mbappe would do that.
The benefit both players have though is they are versatile enough to play in wide positions too. Jesus has often been thought of as a winger playing striker and perhaps an arrival like Mbappe, let alone the man himself, would allow the Brazilian to utilise these traits and offer competition to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
The wage structure is shattered
Looking into the finances that it takes for Arsenal to sign Kylian Mbappe brings a realisation to the monumental investment that it would take to make the deal happen. In an investigation into the idea of a transfer when it emerged he could leave PSG, an article that aimed to justify why a move made sense, quickly changed into one which made me realise just how mad the figures are and how unlikely it would be.
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A reported £650,000 per week contract would entirely destroy the Gunners' current structure. Bukayo Saka’s new deal saw him become the club’s highest-paid player with included bonuses taking the numbers to around £300,000 per week. Kai Havertz’s arrival and the potential signing of Declan Rice are sure to see two more major wages added to the roster.
Mbappe at Arsenal seems like a financial hurdle that if it were to happen could have ramifications further down the line. Look to PSG who are desperate to sell for a big fee this summer if indeed the Frenchman has no intention to renew his deal with just a year remaining on his contract.
Mikel Arteta faces ‘big character test’
There’s been something of a perception of Mikel Arteta that he doesn’t like players who are something of a handful from a personality perspective. His former captain turned chucked-out star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was videoed saying his ex-manager couldn’t handle ‘big characters’.
The signing of Mbappe would certainly put that theory to the test. The forward is a huge profile and has never been shy to publicly give his views on topics, his future and his own club.
Successfully integrating Mbappe into what has become something of a family at Arsenal would be a major achievement for Arteta. Whether he or anyone can do it seamlessly though seems a monumental challenge.
