Arsenal are reportedly planning an audacious approach for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe in the summer of 2024.
The 24-year-old's future is a hot-button topic once again after he refused to trigger the 12-month extension clause in his deal with the French champions.
As a result, Mbappe could be available as a free agent in 2024, and the France international has affirmed on several occasions that he wants to stay put this summer before making a decision on his future next year.
However, PSG are understandably desperate not to see the attacker walk out of the door for nothing in 12 months' time, and they are believed to be working to sell him in the current window.
Mbappe's options for a transfer are extremely limited right now, though, with only Real Madrid thought to be capable of prising him away from the Parc des Princes ahead of the 2023-24 season.
© Reuters
Los Blancos have been keeping tabs on Mbappe since failing with a late £137m bid in the summer of 2021, and they were also snubbed by the former Monaco starlet when he extended his PSG contract last year.
Now, Carlo Ancelotti's side are on the lookout for a permanent successor to Karim Benzema following his surprise move to Al-Ittihad, and Real Madrid have brought Joselu to the club on loan from Espanyol with an option to buy.
The 33-year-old is not a long-term solution to Real's striker conundrum, but president Florentino Perez has claimed that his side will make no further additions this summer, having also spent big to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Real could therefore try to move for Mbappe on a free transfer in 2024, but according to Football Transfers, Los Blancos could face unexpected competition in the shape of Arsenal.
The Gunners hierarchy are said to be admirers of the World Cup-winning attacker, and they are weighing up whether to send a proposal to his representatives.
© Reuters
While Mbappe would not command a transfer fee to join Arsenal next year, the Gunners would likely have to fork out a club-record wage packet for the striker, who supposedly earns €1.5m (£1.3m) per week at PSG.
The 2022-23 season was another historic individual campaign for Mbappe, who became PSG's highest goalscorer of all time, surpassing previous record holder Edinson Cavani in March.
The 24-year-old now boasts 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 games for Les Parisiens, netting 41 times and providing 10 assists in 43 appearances across all tournaments last term.
Arsenal are well-stocked up top with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun all capable of playing through the middle, although the latter could depart before the window closes.
Furthermore, new arrival Havertz is expected to occupy a midfield role for the Gunners, who are also believed to be on the verge of striking a British-record £105m deal for West Ham United's Declan Rice, while talks over a £40m move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are also heading in the right direction.
Ben Knapton
