Kylian Mbappé has reportedly given Arsenal a boost in their hopes of signing him this summer, by revealing that he needs to be playing regularly whilst insisting he will not go anywhere unless younger brother Ethan signs with him.
26 goals and 14 assists in his first full campaign with Monaco has seen him unsurprisingly attract attention from Europe’s best clubs including Real Madrid, a club he identified as a dream move for him at age 14.
Wenger earlier this month revealed that he went to the 18-year-old’s house last year in an attempt to persuade him to join Arsenal – having come towards the end of his contract with the Ligue 1 side. He’s got two years remaining on his existing deal currently and Arsenal were the first team to formally register their interest in his services, but would potentially be weary of spending such a hefty transfer fee to sign him.
Mbappé has been an integral member of a Monaco side that have won Ligue 1 for the first time since 2000, whilst reaching this season’s Champions League semi-finals too.
Real Madrid and Manchester United are seen as Arsenal’s two biggest rivals in the pursuit of his signature, though he is rumoured to be uninterested in joining United after Anthony Martial’s treatment at the club in recent months while there’s no guarantee that he’ll start on a regular basis at Los Blancos currently.
During an interview with BeIN Sports, the exciting youngster said he needs to be guaranteed first-team football before committing his future elsewhere.
“I am at an age where I need to be playing constantly. To perform well you need to be playing.
“That’s of huge importance in my choice. The other thing is to keep the family together – we’re all fed up of being apart. If I move club my brother will come with me to that club.”
Ethan, 11, is an avid footballer himself and shares a close bond with his older brother so this is not particularly surprising news.
“This was the year of my discovery. For me, next year I must confirm myself – that’s the most important step. I want to complete this step well, in a measured way, in the right conditions.
“I am the sole decider of my future. Me and my family. Nobody will tell me where to go. It will be my choice. In terms of football, I might be ahead for my age. But in terms of life, I’m still a kid at 18 years old.”
Mbappé is an intelligent and mature player with the world at his feet, so it’s understandable that he is prioritising progression over a move that could easily backfire at such a young age in his career. Arsenal will be encouraged by this latest admission, though a waiting game could be played to ensure he continues developing in France before making a lucrative move too soon, while monitoring bids from rivals also interested.