Arteta confirms Arsenal's interest in Mbappe with PSG star 'open to transfer'

16 February 2024 , 10:25

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Kylian Mbappe is set to leave PSG this summer and could join Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal "have to be in the conversation" when it comes to signing superstars like Kylian Mbappe.

France striker Mbappe has told Paris Saint Germain he will leave in the summer with Real Madrid widely expected to complete a mega deal to get the World Cup winner.

But Arteta believes Arsenal are big enough to start competing to bring the biggest names to the Emirates and claims they should never limit their ambition.

Gunners boss Arteta said: "When there is a player of that calibre we always have to be in the conversation. But as you said it looks in a different way. Why not? If we want to be the best team, we are going to need the best talent and the best players, that is for sure."

Arsenal sporting director Edu and Josh Kroenke are certain to go big again in the summer transfer window even if realistically Mbappe might have his heart set on Real Madrid.

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However, Arsenal are likely to be in the market for a big-name striker whether it is Ivan Toney or Victor Osimhen. But Arteta smiled as he said they could also be in for Mbappe but any conversation involving him would not come until later.

“Maybe Edu and the owners are, but I am not in those conversations until the last stage,” said Arteta who insisted that Arsenal’s history and draw of having big players in the past like Thierry Henry would always make them an attractive proposition. Arteta added: “The club we are, I don’t think that has ever been an issue. Everybody wants to play for Arsenal.

“At least the players we have held discussions with, they always have that smile on their face the moment you open the door and start to have that discussion. That is because of our history and everything we have done in the past as well.”

HAVE YOUR SAY!Should Arsenal try to lure Mbappe to the Emirates? Comment below

Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Getty Images)

Not everyone believes that Mbappe joining Arsenal would be a good thing for the Gunners. talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist has advised Arteta and co. to steer clear of the in-demand France international.

McCoist claimed: "No. No chance. Not only would you break it [the bank], you’d absolutely have to obliterate it and destroy it and once you do that, you know, it’s happening.

"There’s knocks on the door, ‘He’s on this, I’m only on a quarter of that, I’ve scored this many goals’, etc etc.’" McCoist went on to make clear that he wouldn't regard Arteta's side as title favourites even if they did sign Mbappe.

It still looks unlikely, but if Real Madrid take their eye off the ball, Arsenal could swoop and secure their 2024 answer to Henry in the mercurial Mbappe.

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John Cross