It is widely expected that Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid after informing Paris-Saint Germain he will not extend his contract in the French capital, but his preferred Premier League destination has been revealed.
Mbappe has made the decision to move on for PSG almost six years since he made the move from Monaco for €180 million (£153.5m).
The news closely follows Lionel Messi's departure to Inter Miami, as PSG's world-beating front three moving onto pastures new, with Neymar also rumoured with a summer exit.
Advert
Mbappe's decision has left PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi "shocked and disappointed", with the Ligue 1 giants eager to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free next season when his contract expires.
Real Madrid are frontrunners to land the 24-year-old's signature, but are unwilling to spend a penny after announcing that their summer business was complete.
Los Blancos' signing of Joselu from Espanyol will provide temporary cover for Karim Benzema before going all in for Mbappe next summer.
Advert
However, PSG are desperate to recoup at least some of the money they spent on the World Cup winner - a task which could prove tricky when considering his extortionate price tag.
Meanwhile, Mbappe is thought to be personally keen on a move to the Bernabeu and would be happy to wait until next summer to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish capital.
Nevertheless, a report from The Independent has stated that Arsenal would be the forward's "first preference" if a Premier League move were to materialise.
The report adds that Mbappe "likes the evolution of Mikel Arteta's team and would also enjoy the challenge of delivering the title to the club again."
Advert
However, he is seen as way beyond Arsenal's budget, particularly considering the imminent arrival of Declan Rice, who will cost Arsenal £105 million, not to mention £62m the Gunners have already spent on Kai Havertz.
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Transfers, Football, Mikel Arteta
Joe Adams