Arsenal's former head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has revealed that Kylian Mbappe almost made a move to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in 2016.
Mbappe has established a reputation as one of the best forwards in the world following his sensational performances for both Paris Saint-Germain and France.
The 22-year-old started his career at Monaco, making his first-team debut at the age of just 16, and even at that young age there were a number of elite clubs around Europe who were eyeing him up.
And speaking in an interview with Kicker Mislintat, who spent a year at Arsenal, recalled just how close Dortmund got to signing the player.
"It was a real shame that we couldn't get Kylian in," he said. "Kylian Mbappe was [available] free of charge at a certain point and there were many suitors. But we had no chance of winning that [race].
"If you had been able to steal Mbappe from Monaco for free at the time, it would of course have been a mega deal."
Mbappe ended up joining PSG in 2017 in what is believed to be the second most expensive transfer of all time, with the deal potentially reaching an eye-watering £168m.
And he could now cost even more to potential suitors, with many of the opinion that he is well on his way to becoming the best player in the world.
Mbappe has been linked with a mega-money move to the likes of Real Madrid or Liverpool recently.
But it seems more likely he will sign an extension to his contract at PSG, which is currently set to expire in June 2022.
Speaking about his future in January, Mbappe said: "We are discussing with the club to find a project. I said I am also reflecting because if I sign it is to invest in the long term at Paris Saint-Germain. I am very happy here. I have always been very happy.
"The supporters [and] the club have always helped me and for that, I will always be grateful towards the club. I want to reflect on what I want to do in the coming years, where I want to be. That is how my reflection is turning. I will shortly need to make a choice. I am thinking very hard."
