Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe “would willingly join” Arsenal, according to The Independent.
The World Cup winner is believed to be attracted to following in the footsteps of Thierry Henry but any move to the Emirates is still seen as unlikely with the Gunners not prepared to destroy their wage structure.
Mbappe is currently earning £1.2m a week at PSG, and that salary is not something that the London club can afford to pay. There has been a mixed reaction to the report on X with some fans dismissing the story while others have encouraged Arsenal to break the bank in order to snap up the player:
Is this a joke?
— Dr. Heinz 🦂 (Ketchup Man) (@DrHeinzOfficial) February 13, 2024
Please Let’s do it who says we can’t
Kroenkes you can do this 🙏— ::: Bekee (@TheGirlBekee) February 13, 2024
Nobody is falling for this
— Ballin (parody) (@BallinKy_) February 13, 2024
Not for me!
— MotownGooner75 (@feliciacoltony1) February 13, 2024
He is worth it
— Anshu (@yeduxx) February 13, 2024
Stop pls
— Ghaneey (@__gizzo_) February 13, 2024
Not sure if there is any truth to this report – I actually doubt it. That said, he is one player it would be worth it to take that type of gamble on.
— Steven Bottjer (@stevebottjer) February 13, 2024
Real Madrid remain favourites for Mbappe’s signature
While the Independent insist that Arsenal and Liverpool are potential destinations for the France international, there are only two realistic moves that Mbappe can make if he leaves PSG.
If he wants to earn the same amount that he is getting now, a transfer to Saudi Arabia would have to be considered. However, the forward would probably want to stay in Europe, which makes Real Madrid the likeliest candidate.
At the moment, it is believed that Mbappe’s camp are unhappy with the offer that the Spanish club have put on the table, but a compromise could still be reached.
Will Arsenal sign a forward this summer?
If, as expected, Mbappe moves elsewhere, the Gunners will cast their eye around Europe for other potential options to strengthen their forward line.
The likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins are likely to be the club’s top targets for the No.9 position.
