Arsenal have recently been linked with a shock move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, and have now been handed a boost in a potential transfer race.
Whilst a move does seem unlikely, it recently emerged that Arsenal and Liverpool have both explored their finances to see whether a deal to sign the 24-year-old would be at all possible.
Real Madrid appear to be the frontrunners for a potential deal, with Mbappe’s contract at PSG running out at the end of the season, and Arsenal may have had to battle with Liverpool in case a move to Madrid fell through.
Arsenal handed potential Kylian Mbappe boost
Arsenal have now been handed a boost over Mbappe, as it has emerged that Liverpool are no longer in the running for the Frenchman.
Journalist Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that Liverpool are not pushing for a deal for Mbappe, and will likely no longer be in the race this summer.
“Been told that Liverpool is NOT pushing for Kylian Mbappe. His transfer in summer 2024 ist not an issue at this stage,” he posted on X.
“PSG, still totally relaxed as they are financially secured (contractually) for his possible departure.
“Real Madrid is still the most realistic destination for him, either next year or the year after.”
Do Arsenal have a realistic shot at signing Mbappe?
It feels inevitable that Mbappe will end up at Real Madrid, but out of clubs in the Premier League, Arsenal may now be the likeliest destination.
Mbappe is keen on joining a club where he can compete for the Champions League, and given that Manchester City already have a superstar forward in Erling Haaland, Mbappe may wish to play for a team where he would be the key attacker.
Now Liverpool are out the race, and Chelsea continue to struggle despite their heavy spending, Arteta’s side may seem the most appealing project to Mbappe, with this young squad competing on all fronts at the top of the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger tried to sign Mbappe before his breakthrough at Monaco, and there are plenty of French connections at Arsenal. His international teammate William Saliba is thriving at the Emirates, and France superstars Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires all made their names at Arsenal.
Arsenal only have a realistic shot at Mbappe should a potential move to Real Madrid completely collapse, and even then, trying to agree personal terms given the size of his current contract could be difficult, but on the sporting side, there remains a small bit of hope.
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