Kylian Mbappe urged to join Liverpool instead of Real Madrid by Arsenal legend

A former Arsenal winger has called on Kylian Mbappe to reject a move to Real Madrid this summer and join Premier League title contenders Liverpool.

Robert Pires, the former France international who enjoyed a trophy-laden six-year spell at Arsenal, where he made over 250 appearances, has given his take on the ongoing saga.

Mbappe is set to leave Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent when his contract expires in the summer – and his next move continues to be a major topic of discussion.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move, as have Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, who are said to be 'the most credible candidate' to sign Mbappe.

Now, the 25-year-old has been urged to join current Premier League leaders Liverpool in a transfer that would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout world football.

Speaking to Spanish publication AS, Pires said: "I'm sorry, Kylian, but you weren't the first player to say no to Real Madrid.

"I don't know what decision he will make in the end, but I turned Madrid down because I had two other options. I'm sure that if I didn't have the opportunity of going to Arsenal or Juventus I would have gone to Real Madrid. That's for sure."

He added: "I would like to see him at Liverpool. It's a great family club. There's a good structure, no pressure, the fans are level-headed, and I think a Salah-Mbappe partnership could be really explosive.

"I think he is capable of rejecting Real Madrid."

Image credit: Getty

As well as touching on the ongoing debate around Mbappe's future, Pires heaped praise on Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, who continues to impress for Mikel Arteta's side.

"Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he's a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick," he told French outlet Media Carre.

"He makes good calls, he plays simply when it's necessary to play simply, and he goes for the challenge when the challenge presents itself. When he sees that he is one on one he plays for the team and that's why I really like him.

"I know him a little bit, he's educated, and he's doing well at Arsenal, that's for sure."