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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lee Wilmot

Arsenal have secret weapon in Kylian Mbappe transfer talks amid 'genuine interest'

Arsenal and Kylian Mbappe is something that has been a thing for a number of years. And talk of a sensational transfer is back on the agenda.

The France superstar has one year remaining on his Paris Saint-Germain contract and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. A contract extension at the Parc des Princes does not seem likely, with PSG admitting he could leave the club this summer, rather than losing him on a free next year.

PSG president Nasser El-Khelaifi said: "If Kylian Mbappe wants to stay - we want him to stay - he needs to sign a new contract. We cannot let the best player in the world right now leave for free. That is impossible."

Reports have suggested that should Mbappe move to the Premier League in the future, Arsenal would be his preferred destination. And Arsene Wenger tried to sign him in 2017.

Wenger said: "We were on the case last year already and he [Mbappe] was close to joining us. Maybe closer last year than this year because the competition to get him was a bit smaller than it is today.

"He's an exceptional football player. I cannot tell you [how close Arsenal were to signing him], you should ask him the question!"

READ MORE: Arsenal's fourth summer signing after Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber sparks debate

And Gunners legend Ray Parlour believes Arsenal would have a secret weapon in any talks to sign the 24-year-old - Thierry Henry.

Speaking to JBI Training, Parlour said: "It's funny you mention Henry whispering in the player’s ear, because I live close to Mark Noble and every time I see him I ask him about Declan Rice! I’m sure Thierry could play a role if there was genuine interest from both Arsenal and Mbappe.

"We all know that rumours can be a bit silly, but how exciting would that be if Arsenal could bring a player like Mbappe? We love the rumours and the gossip – it’s a big part of football. That is the kind of rumour that as an Arsenal fan, you want to be hearing."

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