Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe has reportedly identified Arsenal as his top Premier League destination if he were to make the move to England this year or next year.
The 24-year-old is refusing to trigger the 12-month extension clause in his PSG contract, meaning that he could leave as a free agent next summer as things stand.
Despite his intentions regarding his contract, Mbappe still plans to remain in the French capital for the 2023-24 season before making a decision on his future in 12 months’ time.
However, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has warned the France international that he will not be allowed to leave for free, and the French champions are working to sell him this summer against his wishes.
Les Parisiens are supposedly hoping to garner as much as €200m (£170.7m) through a sale this summer, though – an extortionate financial package that few clubs will be able to afford.
Real Madrid is still considered the most likely destination for Mbappe, who is widely expected to become Karim Benzema’s long-term successor at the Bernabeu.
However, with Los Blancos already signing Jude Bellingham, Joselu and Arda Guler this summer, the La Liga giants are expected to wait until 2024 in the hope of signing Mbappe as a free agent.
Liverpool were previously linked with a move for the Frenchman, though, while Manchester United have been tipped to make an audacious approach if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani completes a full takeover.
Nevertheless, The Independent claims that Mbappe would prefer a move to Arsenal over Liverpool or Man United if he decides to advance his career in the Premier League.
Mbappe has supposedly enjoyed witnessing the Gunners’ revival under Mikel Arteta, and he would relish the challenge of delivering Premier League glory to the Emirates once again.
However, the report adds that a move for Mbappe is simply too far beyond Arsenal’s budget to be considered realistic, as his wage packet would still prove unfeasible even if he did become available as a free
As a result, Arsenal are not believed to have made “serious contact” over a move for Mbappe, who remains relaxed about his future as Real Madrid continue to bank on a free transfer in 2024.
After snubbing Los Blancos last summer to sign a new contract with PSG, Mbappe enjoyed another exceptional season on an individual level with 41 goals and 10 assists in 43 games.
The ex-Monaco starlet won a fifth Ligue 1 Golden Boot en route to the top flight title, but PSG suffered more Champions League disappointment in a last-16 exit to Bayern Munich.
Les Parisiens confirmed Luis Enrique as their new manager on Wednesday, before announcing the arrivals of Slovakian centre-back Milan Skriniar and Spanish attacker Marco Asensio on free transfers on Thursday.
