Arsenal’s continuous ties to Kylian Mbappe persist as his tenure with PSG nears its conclusion, amid swirling speculations regarding a potential switch to Real Madrid. The Gunners find themselves at a juncture where they could potentially culminate an arduous eight-year pursuit by securing the services of the Paris Saint-Germain sensation, possibly as soon as today [January 1]. The Frenchman remains entangled in discussions about departing his current club, a narrative that follows the turmoil surrounding his ongoing contractual disputes.
Having solidified his status as one of the world’s premier talents in recent years, there have been ongoing discussions about a potential move elsewhere, notably to the Premier League or La Liga. Yet, despite these talks, substantial moves have consistently failed to materialize, often countered by new agreements penned with the French champions.
However, last summer, the 25-year-old declined to trigger a one-year contract extension, leaving him with only a year left on his deal. Panic ensued at the Parc des Princes, prompting drastic measures in an attempt to reach a compromise. The club’s efforts aimed at securing either a fresh deal or an exit for Mbappe, but neither came to fruition, leading to his isolation from the first-team and pre-season training camps. Eventually, he returned to action once the Ligue 1 season commenced and has since shown no inclination to depart.
Yet, as winter unfolds, a mere six months remain on a contract that diminishes with each passing day. This situation has spawned increased options and heightened prospects for teams seeking a potential steal.
Arsenal has prominently featured among the clubs linked to Mbappe in recent months and could formalize an agreement as early as January 1 due to pre-contract registration protocols. With these final months of his contract looming, Mbappe retains the option to strike a deal with a club outside Ligue 1 for a summer transfer. Should the Gunners emerge as his destination, confirmation could arrive soon, providing them with much-needed offensive prowess, even if it means awaiting his arrival for a few months. This prospective deal might serve as the conclusion to an eight-year quest that originated when the club missed out on securing Mbappe’s signature in 2018.
Former scout Gilles Grimandi shared insights, recounting previous attempts: “We endeavored to persuade him [Mbappe] earlier, in 2016. We met his parents in London, visited the training ground alongside Arsene and Richard Law, and journeyed to meet Kylian in the South of France. However, the timing wasn’t in our favor; our meeting occurred just after a disheartening home loss to Swansea in the league, following a defeat at Old Trafford. Additionally, we had a significant away fixture against Tottenham a mere three days later, making the timing less than ideal.”