AS Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe could reportedly snub transfer interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City to ply his trade for Arsenal, a close relative has revealed.
The 18-year-old came through a fabulous season with the Principality outfit as he guided them to their first league title since 2000 while also reaching the final four of the Champions League.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been a fond admirer of the teenager’s talents, and he was spotted in the south of France earlier in the month, where he is said to have met with Monaco officials.
In a report covered by Le10Sport via Le Parisien, a close associate suggests that Mbappe could turn down advances from elite clubs for a switch to the Emirates.
He adds that the player would love to work under long-standing boss Wenger regardless of the lack of Champions League football during the upcoming campaign.
Mbappe has been associated with a probable move to Real Madrid in recent weeks, but the player’s relation claims that Arsenal are the preferred destination for the France international.
“Wenger is one of the greats. If Kylian signs for Arsenal tomorrow, it will be for him. He knows how to shape the young and especially the former strikers of the French national team, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. The Europa League is not an obstacle.” he said.
Arsenal have made restricted buys in the transfer market in recent seasons, and this probably leads to doubts over whether Wenger would be willing to cough up a world-record £100m on the teenage sensation.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette is another option on the Gunners’ cards, and he could be available for just half of the valuation of Mbappe in this summer’s transfer window.
Mbappe bagged 26 goals across all competitions for Monaco last term, but his tally was mostly built in the second half of the season where he became a regular starter.
