Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal talk given additional boost as swap rumours lurk and respected figure fuels claims of PSG exit
The chances of Kylian Mbappe departing PSG this summer have been given a significant thumbs up after a respected former PSG official made clear why the Arsenal target will likely depart the Ligue 1 giants this summer.
The France forward is seen as one of, if not the, best player of his generation. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager with Monaco, he has gone on to score a hefty 243 career goals. In addition, he’s won the Ligue 1 title five times in six seasons.
However, with a year left on his PSG deal, the 24-year-old has made clear his intentions of not signing an extension. As a result, speculation over his future has gathered pace in recent weeks.
Real Madrid remain favourites to sign the World Cup winner, with links to Mbappe dating back several years. To that end, the French media believes Mbappe has already agreed to move to Real in 2024.
PSG, however, do not want to let their prized asset depart the club on a free. And given his current €200m (£171.5m) valuation of his talents, reports claim they would rather sell Mbappe this summer to the highest bidder.
And while Arsenal do not boast the financial resources of either clubs in Saudi Arabia or even Manchester United, it is their name who has been most strongly linked with Mbappe of late.
That’s amid claims that, were he to move to England, Mikel Arteta’s side would be the player’s first choice.
Leonardo sends PSG clear message over Kylian Mbappe future
And in order to finance his fee, rumours on Saturday somewhat fancifully suggested Arsenal could offer four stars in a swap.
Of course, there’s also the sizeable issue of his wages. And to have any chance of a deal they’d also need Mbappe to take around a 50% wages cut. Given he’s currently earning an estimated £700,00o a week, it’s hard to see him giving up on that just now.
And much as Arsenal fans would love to see it happen, it just feels like one that’s simply beyond their capabilities.
Nonetheless, former PSG sporting director Leonardo is adamant a parting of ways for Mbappe is inevitable this summer.
That said, Real are unlikely to pay big when they can land him on a pre-contract in January. As a consequence, that will open up other avenues for potential suitors.
Either way, speaking to L’Equipe, Leonardo is convinced that the time has come for Mbappe to leave.
“For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to leave, however that might be.. PSG existed before Mbappe and it will exist after he leaves.”
Leonardo is adamant that PSG also don’t need Mbappe to hang around to challenge for the Champions League.
Arguing that Mbappe is ‘not a great team player’, he argues PSG could even benefit from his sale.
“Through his behaviour in the last two years, Mbappe has shown that he’s not a player who’s capable of guiding a team yet. He’s a great player, but not a leader. He’s a great goalscorer, but he’s not a creative player. Building a team around him is difficult.”
