Arsenal will have to deal with the electrifying Kylian Mbappe when they play Real Madrid over two legs in the Champions League in April.
The Gunners eased their way into the last eight of Europe’s elite competition by beating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate to set up a mouth-watering tie in the next round.
The route to the final has been mapped out, with the winners of the quarter-final clash between the North Londoners and the Spanish giants to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the last four.
However, before Arsenal can even think about that, they’ll have to negate Mbappe and negotiate their way past the reigning European champions.
Kylian Mbappe has explained relationship with William Saliba
One of the key battles in the quarter-final tie will be Mbappe’s individual contest with William Saliba.
International teammates and childhood friends, the two will be pitted directly against each other over two legs, and whoever comes out on top could determine the outcome of the tie.
Mbappe’s pace in behind is a cause for concern for Mikel Arteta, although if any defender in world football can deal with him it’s Saliba.
Speaking to Ouest France last May, Mbappe revealed the story behind the two players’ relationship.
“I have known him since he was very, very young,” the striker said.
“We were in the same primary school in Bondy. We played football together on our breaks, even though we weren’t in the same year, but he asked to play with us.
“We allowed it because he was already big! Then my dad trained him at AS Bondy. I am three years older than him so I saw him grow up by following his journey and his games closely.
“Seeing him in the national team, going from Bondy to Les Bleus, made me really happy. I tried to integrate him into the group as quickly as possible.”
Saliba has established himself as one of the most imposing defenders in world football over the last two seasons, and Mbappe was keen on recognising his friend’s development.
“This season, he has become a very important player for Arsenal and is among the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
“He is starting to get minutes with us. It’s now up to him to find his place. For me, he has all the qualities to, in time, be a starter with Les Bleus.”
The Arsenal man has since become a regular starter for the French national team, but Mbappe joked that he’ll never be the star of Bondy, their local neighbourhood in the north of Paris.
“I look at his journey with the pride of an older brother. There is no taboo between us and we tease each other. For example, I often tell him that he wants to be the star of Bondy, but that it will never happen!”
Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba’s relationship should worry Arsenal
While Mbappe and Saliba’s friendship sets up nicely for some interesting narratives surrounding the Champions League clash, the partnership should concern Arsenal in the long-term.
Saliba has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, and with Mbappe already at the Bernabeu, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the number nine has already spoken to the 23-year-old about the potential transfer.
The prospect of playing with a childhood friend for the biggest club on the planet and competing for major trophies every year will surely appeal to the centre-back.
Saliba claimed that he’s happy at Arsenal this week, although he’s yet to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Emirates.
The best thing the Gunners can do to convince their defensive stalwart to remain in N5 is to knock Real Madrid out and go all the way in the Champions League.
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