Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe looks down during the French L1 football … [+] match between FC Nantes and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, western France, on February 17, 2024. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta couldn’t help himself smirk when asked about the possibility of Kylian Mbappe signing for Arsenal. “When there is a player of that calibre we always have to be in the conversation,” said the Gunners boss before adding, “but it looks to be in a different way,” hinting at the French forward’s near-inevitable move to Real Madrid.
Indeed, the Spanish giants are the favourites to land Mbappe this summer after the 25-year-old informed Paris Saint-Germain of his decision to depart the club at the end of the season. Real Madrid have pursued Mbappe for a number of years and are expected to finally get their man once his PSG contract expires.
The prospect of Mbappe at Arsenal, however, is a tantalising one. If the Premier
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Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures to Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka … [+] during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Arsenal are a team on an upward trajectory. They fell short in last season’s Premier League title race, but look even stronger this season with the Gunners just two points off the top of the table. Arteta has built a young and hungry squad that is learning and developing rapidly. They will compete at the top of the English and European game for years to come.
There would be a place for Mbappe in Arsenal’s lineup. While Gabriel Martinelli has delivered consistently over the last two seasons, Mbappe would be a significant update on the Brazilian. There has been talk about Arsenal’s need to sign another attacking difference-maker and the 2018 World Cup winner would certainly fit the bill.
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 14 Kylian Mbappé of PSG in action during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 … [+] round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Sociedad at Parc des Princes on February 14, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Getty Images)
What’s more, Arsenal’s style of play would also be a good fit for Mbappe. The Gunners like to play with intensity and funnel a lot of their attacking play down the left side. The set up of the team is designed to get Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in behind – imagine Mbappe as the attacker catapulted into space by the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Of course, Arsenal might not have the finances to sign Mbappe. The Frenchman could become the highest-paid player in European soccer history if he joins Real Madrid this summer. Arsenal have spent big in the transfer market in recent years, but that sort of salary could be beyond them. Nonetheless, Gunners’ fans – and Arteta – can dream.
