The AS Monaco wonderkid, Kylian Mbappe is making waves across Europe both in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League. With 23 goals so far this term for the 18 year old, the interest is really hotting up for the Frenchman and he’s being watched by a number of top European sides.
The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are obviously favourites for the player, given their keenness to recruit the best young talent around and they are not exactly short of money. Manchester City, Chelsea, United and Arsenal also remain reportedly in the loop, but realistically what are the chances of Arsenal standing up next to some of those clubs, both financially and in terms of success.
After Monaco crashed out of the semi final stage of the Champions League last night, despite another goal from Mbappe, all eyes were on the teenager to see where his future may lie for next season. Monaco are very unlikely to hold into the star man because despite probably not needing the cash, how can they resist offers in the £60 million plus range like it is being reported. Furthermore, Mbappe is likely to desire a move away to a top European club where he can challenge both domestically and in Europe (although Monaco have given that a decent shot this season.)
After the match, Mbappe was questioned about his future, to which he replied: ‘I will have time to consider opportunities. We will look at everything that needs to be looked at after Ligue 1.’
Mbappe is therefore likely to consider all of his options, one of which may be from Arsenal. Arsene Wenger has a known interest in the player and he has previously been compared to the Gunners great Thierry Henry. However I maintain the thought that realistically, with Arsenal standing up against the likes of Madrid, Chelsea, City and Barcelona, what are the chances of the Europe’s most talented young striker picking the Emirates. First of all Arsenal do not even have the financial willingness to really pull of a £60 million plus deal for the player. The club of course has that sort of money to spend, but we won’t get involved in the bidding war that is likely to start this summer.
In addition to that, Arsenal have again proven this season we still aren’t ready to challenge in neither the domestic or European fronts and although a striker like Mbappe may change that, the 18 year old isn’t going to take a punt of that happening.
I remember last summer there were a few reports of Arsenal being linked with Mbappe and a fee of around £20 million was being mentioned I believe. There were a few people sceptical of the idea and it was largely because the player hadn’t risen to prominence yet. However what we would do to rewind to that report and out a £20 million bid in now for the player.
By AH