Kylian Mbappe is at the centre of yet another transfer saga after informing Paris Saint-Germain that he won't be extending his current contract. This means Mbappe would be a free agent in 12 months, with PSG said to prefer to offload him this summer for a transfer fee instead of losing him for nothing this time next year.
Reports have suggested that PSG have set a £180million asking price for the 24-year-old - who continues to be linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Arsenal tried to sign the PSG superstar back in 2017 before he arrived at the Parc des Princes and he would reportedly prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium if he was to join the Premier League. A report from the Independent has stated Mbappe likes the evolution of Mikel Arteta's team and would also enjoy the challenge of delivering the title to the club again.
The 24-year-old is nevertheless seen as way beyond Arsenal's budget and it should be stressed there has been no contact. Legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was keen to bring the talented youngster to the Emirates Stadium and Mbappe himself admitted that a move to north London was a real possibility.
"Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach," the prolific forward told the Telegraph six years ago. He has a great reputation here in France, he's well-respected and knows how to develop young players.
"This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.
"We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of all the clubs. But my family told me it had to be my decision and one I needed to make.
"It also had to be a long-term decision. So it was up to me and I decided to come here in order to develop."
Wenger himself has opened up about Arsenal's failed attempts to sign his French compatriot, admitting that he had spoken to the player in 2016 before his breakout 2016/17 campaign with Monaco. “We were on the case last year already and he [Mbappe] was close to joining us," Wenger said during a press conference six years ago.
"Maybe closer last year than this year because the competition to get him was a bit smaller than it is today. I personally believe that for 90 per cent of the players, their career depends completely on where they choose to go.
"For 10% of the players, they can go where they want and they will make a great career. For me he’s in the 10%. He could close his eyes and choose, 'I go here, I go to Real Madrid or to Arsenal or to Man United and will have a great career'.
"He's an exceptional football player. I cannot tell you [how close Arsenal were to signing him], you should ask him the question!"
