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Mbappe on Arsenal transfer: French youngster reveals he almost joined Arsenal

Rishabh Gupta
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Mbappe on Arsenal transfer

Mbappe on Arsenal transfer: The French youngster reveals he almost signed for Arsenal at the beginning of 2017 season.

Kylian Mbappe is one of the best young attackers in football at the moment. The French youngster currently plays for Paris Saint Germain, and was central to France’s win in the World Cup this summer in Russia.

He also won the inaugural Kopa Trophy in the Ballon d’Or ceremony on December 3. Mbappe began his career with AS Monaco, but joined PSG in 2017 after a season-long loan at the club.

However, the player has now revealed that he was close to join English club Arsenal during the time of Arsene Wenger.

While Wenger resigned as Arsenal’s boss at the end of the 2017/18 season, Unai Emery was appointed as the head coach. Mbappe played for Unai Emery for two seasons, and also praised him during the interview.

Mbappe on Arsenal transfer:

The 19-year old footballer spoke to France Football after the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he stated that he was close to joining Arsenal in 2017. He also spoke highly of Arsene Wenger, calling him the ‘monument’ of French football.


“He is a real French football monument who has left Arsenal. I have not seen many people in this world being viewed in such a unanimous way,” Mbappe said.

“When the entirety of Europe gets on its knees in front of him to celebrate him, that certainly means something. A little while ago, before I signed for PSG, we were in contact in 2017. I chose a different direction but he wasn’t annoyed at me.”

Mbappe insisted that Wenger behaved kindly at his decision and wished him luck. “He was a gentleman about it and wished me good luck,” Mbappe said.

The French youngster stated that Unai Emery played an important role in his development as a footballer.

“I do not forget that he helped me adapt to this big team, which was not easy,” Mbappe said.

“I have a lot of respect for this man even if he did not succeed in Paris. He won titles before and I hope he wins them again after. I sent him a congratulatory message when he signed for Arsenal, and now I am following from afar.”

About the author

Rishabh Gupta

Rishabh Gupta

A sports enthusiast. Sports, I believe, is one of the few powers which help us grow, both as an individual and society. With each day, in the rich world of sports, I grow.

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