That would have definitely appeased the disillusioned Arsenal fans.
Supporters’ despair over the Gunners’ activity in the transfer window is understandable, with only Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac coming in during the summer.
But it was not for a lack of trying from manager Arsene Wenger in the transfer department because, apparently, he met with one of the most promising young talents in world football in an attempt to convince him to move to the Emirates.
Wenger spent time with Kylian Mbappe, who considered Arsenal a legitimate option before ultimately making his big-money switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 giants signed the 18-year-old on an initial loan deal – in a quirk presumably set up to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations – but will pay a staggering fee of £165 million to make Mbappe’s move permanent next season.
Who knows if Arsenal’s board would have been prepared to match that figure but what we do know is that a meeting between Wenger and the French international definitely took place.
“Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach,” Mbappe admitted to the Telegraph. “He has a great reputation here in France, he’s well-respected and knows how to develop young players. This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.
“We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of all the clubs but my family told me it had to be my decision and one I needed to make. It also had to be a long-term decision. So it was up to me and I decided to come here in order to develop.”
Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for Mbappe and the 67-year-old showered the youngster with the highest possible praise in a recent interview with French TV.
“He can be like Pele, there are no limits to his game,” Wenger told Telefoot on Saturday. “We can already see the difference in the calls he makes. He scores but he also creates — only the very best players can do this.
“€180m is a little high for us,” he added. “For 90 per cent of players, their career depends on their choice of club. Kylian is part of the 10 percent where any choice he makes will be a good one.”
