Mikel Arteta demands Arsenal join Kylian Mbappe transfer race and says ‘everybody wants to play for us’
Gunners have had many outstanding French players and, of course, one exceptional French manager in their recent past
MIKEL ARTETA wants Arsenal to be in the “conversation” as Kylian Mbappe ponders the next move of his celebrated career.
The French World Cup winner has told Paris Saint-Germain that he will leave the Ligue 1 champions at the end of this season.
Mbappe – arguably the best player in the world right now – is out of contract this summer and has no desire to remain in the French capital.
A major scramble among Europe’s elite clubs has begun but the smart money is on him joining Real Madrid given their longstanding links and attempts to woo him to Spain.
Arsenal have had many outstanding French players and, of course, one exceptional French manager in their recent past.
And according to Arteta, 41, they should be considered as one of the top destinations for the elite stars.
The Spaniard replied: “Exactly. Why not? If we want to be the best team, we are going to need the best talent and the best players, that’s for sure.
“I am not (part of those conversations). Maybe Edu and the owners are, but I am not in those conversations until the last stage.
Asked directly if he would be interested in Mbappe even though it seems he is off to the Bernabeu, 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. That is what I will say.”
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On why the Gunners would appeal to those in the top stratosphere of the Beautiful Game, Arteta added: “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.”
Gunners fan Piers Morgan posted online: “Right answer. We should break the bank for @KMbappe if there’s even a 1% chance of getting him.”
Mbappe has scored 243 goals in 290 matches for PSG since his switch from Monaco for £162million in August 2017.
Last July, he was subjected of an audacious world record £259m from the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal but he turned down the move.
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