According to reports, Arsenal’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has diminished, as the player is now linked to Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old was a key player for PSG during the 2022-23 season, contributing 29 goals and five assists in 34 league matches, ultimately winning the Golden Boot award for the division as they secured yet another Ligue 1 title.
However, PSG once again failed to replicate their domestic success in the Champions League, as Mbappe and his teammates were eliminated in the round-of-16 stage by eventual Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
When Mbappe made the £165m move from Monaco to PSG in June 2018, it was thought to be the catalyst that would drive the club towards European glory. However, five years later, the Champions League trophy still eludes them.
Mbappe has been heavily linked with a summer transfer away from Parc des Princes. However, according to various reports from The Mirror, his next destination is unlikely to be Arsenal, as the Gunners are reportedly not in the race to sign him.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the 2018 World Cup winner had expressed a preference for joining Arsenal in the Premier League, citing his admiration for Mikel Arteta’s project at the North London club.
Nevertheless, a move to the Emirates Stadium seems unlikely for Mbappe due to Arsenal’s financial constraints. The Gunners have been active in the transfer market ahead of the 2023-24 season, securing the services of former Chelsea player Kai Havertz for £65m.
Furthermore, Arsenal are said to be close to finalizing deals for Declan Rice from West Ham United and Jurrien Timber from Ajax, which would take their summer spending to over £200m.
It has been reported that Arsenal and West Ham have agreed on a £105m transfer fee for England international Rice, who underwent a medical at the Gunners earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Dutchman Timber is expected to join Arsenal for an initial fee of £34m, providing healthy competition for starting center-back positions alongside the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid and Liverpool are still in the running to sign Mbappe. However, it is believed that the player intends to see out his contract at PSG, which expires next summer, even if it means spending time on the bench.
PSG has reportedly set a price tag of £170m for the French attacker, suggesting that Real Madrid will likely wait until 2024 to make a move for him.
Arsenal’s pre-season campaign kicks off with a friendly match against German side Nuremberg at the Max-Morlock Stadion on Thursday night. The Gunners will be hoping to mount a serious challenge to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the upcoming season.