BBC Sports journalist Marc Ashdown has revealed that Arsene Wenger has spent some personal time knowing Kylian Mbappe’s family as he looks to lure the 18-year-old to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The 18-year-old was simply sublime for Monaco in the second half of last season as his performances played a key role in thrusting the club towards their first French title since the millennium.
As a result, the teenager has attracted plenty of transfer interest with Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all in the hunt for his signature.
However, Ashdown insists that Wenger is making significant strides to sign his compatriot after having held a private conversation with the Mbappe family.
He tweeted: “Someone at the club told me Wenger is ‘in with Mbappe’s family’ in a way not seen since Thierry [Henry].”
Someone at the club told me Wenger is "in with Mbappe's family" in a way not seen since Thierry. Whether it makes a difference? https://t.co/iRxIpEdvWI
— Marc Ashdown (@marcashdown) June 27, 2017
On replying the ‘Whether it makes a difference’ part, Ashdown admitted that he would be amazed to see Mbappe in north London, given the staggering sums being mentioned.
Arsene Wenger is also making moves to sign long-term target Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon with Les Gones’ president Jean-Michel Aulas admitting that the club are in discussions with the north London club.
Mbappe is likely to cost a world-record sum this summer following a breakout season under Leonardo Jardim where he bagged 26 goals across all competitions.
His performances at club level also impressed national team boss Didier Deschamps, who opted to offer him his maiden cap earlier in March.
The teenage striker has always been a huge admirer of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, but Arsenal could lure him with the promise of a regular starting spot unlike what he would receive at the Bernabeu.
